Image: WattEVCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the California Clean Fuel Reward (CCFR). Applications will open on 26 June, with $250 million available in the first year and more than $1 billion in total funding expected through 2030. The scheme covers ‘new battery-electric medium- and heavy-duty Class 2b–Class 8 vehicles,’ that are either bought or leased. The website also states that “hybrid, fuel cell, used vehicles, and battery-electric motorcycles are not eligible.”Funded through California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), the CCFR is expected to become the largest utility-administered rebate programme for electric trucks in the United States. Rebates range from $7,500 to $120,000, depending on the vehicle class.For example, Class 2 b vehicles, weighing 8,501–10,000 pounds, will be eligible for $7,500. Class 3-4 and 5 trucks are funded with 15,000 and 60,000 dollars, respectively. The reward will be available at authorised retailers for public and private fleets purchasing new electric commercial vehicles, including drayage trucks, electric semis, box trucks and delivery vans.According to the state government, global electric heavy-freight truck sales tripled in 2025, with California seeking to strengthen its position in the growing zero-emission commercial vehicle market. The programme is also intended to address local air pollution from diesel freight transport, particularly in communities near ports and logistics hubs.Newsom linked the initiative to California’s industrial and climate policy goals. “While Trump surrenders America’s auto industry to China, California is choosing a different path — one that cements our global leadership in clean technologies that will define the future of transportation,” the governor said. “California will never stop fighting for good-paying American jobs, economic prosperity, and a more secure future for our workers and families.”“By returning revenue from the Low Carbon Fuel Standard directly to truck buyers at purchase, we’re making zero-emission trucks the better choice for fleets and delivering cleaner air along freight corridors where it’s needed most,” added California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez.Utility company Southern California Edison is among the programme partners. Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Funmi Williamson described the initiative as ‘a historic step forward in fleet electrification’, adding that lowering upfront costs would ‘accelerate access to innovative vehicle technologies and support long-term market transformation.’The CCFR complements California’s existing Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), which, according to the state government, has already provided more than $1 billion in support for over 11,600 clean commercial vehicles across the state. The latter also covers the recently launched Tesla Semi. In 2024, zero-emission vehicles accounted for nearly 23 per cent of new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales in California, according to state figures.gov.ca.gov, cleanfuelreward.com (applications)
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