CARB releases first $1.5Bn in e-mobility funding

After California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a $3.9 billion investment package for e-mobility projects this autumn, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released the first tranche of $1.5 billion. The most considerable sums were earmarked for commercial electric vehicles and EV rebates.

When it announced the funding in September, the Californian Government had stated to focus on purchase incentives and special electric car incentives for low-income Californians. Other targets included funds to put a total of 3,000 zero-emission for public transport, including school buses and the necessary infrastructure on California roads.

The first tranche appears to make good on the above plans. The most significant sum, $843 million, will flow into heavy-duty and off-road equipment investments. Here, CARB lists funding for demonstration and pilot projects, vouchers for advanced clean trucks, financing for small truck fleets transitioning to cleaner technologies, funds for drayage trucks, and transit and school buses.

The second biggest budget goes to the statewide Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which receives $525 million. CARB hopes this “substantial investment” will last three years to address an increase in consumer demand for cleaner cars. Another $10 million were set aside to support rebates for electric bicycles.

In terms of the announced focus on lower-income Californians, CARB today slated $150 million for what it calls “clean transportation equity investments benefitting income-qualified individuals and those overburdened by pollution.” The money will finance incentives, outreach, or technical assistance. Most concretely, it will keep the ‘Clean Cars 4 All’ scheme running, which provides up to $9,500 to help “income-qualified” Californians upgrade an older, dirty car to a new or used electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid or hybrid car. Note that participating air districts implement the scheme. Eligibility and grants are based on your household income, your postcode, and the vehicle you choose. In the Bay Area, for example, the income bracket for a single household is $28,980 for the full grant and $38,640 or $51,520 for the mid and base grant respectively (see details here).

Lastly, another $30 million is made available to support small businesses and sole proprietors who provide professional landscaping services in California to purchase zero-emission small off-road equipment, including leaf blowers, lawnmowers, and string trimmers.

arb.ca.gov (full funding announcement), arb.ca.gov (Clean Cars 4 All)