Southern California Supercharges Fleet Incentives – Paving the Way for a Cleaner Future
By Cian Kavanagh, ZeroMission
Southern California continues to lead the charge in advancing clean, commercial transportation technologies, even amid shifting federal priorities and global economic uncertainty. For a region long burdened with some of the nation’s poorest air quality, particularly in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties, the commitment from agencies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) has never wavered.
Their mission remains clear: accelerate economic progress, improve air quality, and protect public health. Now, a wave of funding programs is creating unprecedented opportunities for fleets ready to embrace near-zero and zero-emission technologies.
Incentives at the Core of Change
Southern California boasts the most comprehensive incentive ecosystem for commercial transportation in the United States, combining long-standing programs with new, high-impact opportunities.
HVIP (Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project) – Expected to return later this year, offering point-of-sale vouchers for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Additional port funding from Los Angeles and Long Beach will boost support for drayage operators.
EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles Project – Open now for EV infrastructure projects, with dedicated funding for transit agencies and drayage fleets.
Volkswagen Mitigation Trust & CORE Program – Off-highway operators can prepare for the next Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project in August, prioritising small businesses.
Carl Moyer Program – Returning in 2026 with more than $50 million in annual funding for on-road, off-road, and infrastructure projects.
Utility Support – Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready Transport (CRT) and SoCalGas incentives for renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen fuel cell adoption ensure all fuel types are covered.
A Multi-Million Dollar Moment
The months ahead promise a funding surge unlike any seen before:
South Coast AQMD Climate Pollution Reduction Grant & Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Grant Program – Hundreds of millions of dollars for on-road, off-road, and infrastructure projects.
WAIRE Program Funds – Expected as early as September, releasing millions more through warehouse mitigation fees to support cleaner equipment and infrastructure.
Altogether, more than $650 million in incentives will be available to fleets this summer. By stacking funding from federal, state, and local sources, operators may cover more than 75% of project costs.
ZeroMission’s Perspective
For me and my team, this is more than just good news; it’s a breakthrough moment for the fleets we works with every day. We speak to fleet operators on both sides of the Atlantic, and we know the challenges they face in planning a transition that’s both affordable and sustainable. This kind of funding means we can guide fleet managers towards a future that’s not just cleaner, but also financially viable. It’s a huge win for both the environment and the industry.”
With strategic planning and swift action, fleets can capitalise on these opportunities to future-proof operations, slash emissions, and set the standard for sustainable transport.
The Bottom Line: Southern California’s funding ecosystem is entering a golden moment. For operators willing to act now, the road to zero emissions has never looked more achievable, or more rewarding.
