Image: Volvo TrucksNicknamed ‘WAZIP’ (‘Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program’), the $112 million voucher incentive programme is funded by Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act and will be distributed by the Washington State Department of Transportation.At a launch event featuring over 100 dealers and purchasers in the Port of Seattle, Gov. Bob Ferguson called the scheme ‘an economic powerhouse for our state’. He said: “It helps businesses modernise their fleets, dealerships increase their sales, and residents live healthier lives through reduced emissions.”The vouchers will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, and can also be requested at the point-of-sale at pre-approved vehicle and equipment dealerships across Washington State. Over 100 types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles qualify, as well as a wide range of equipment. This includes ‘trucks, construction vehicles, agriculture machinery, airport loaders and tugs, commercial boats, forklifts, freight locomotives, refrigerated transportation units, freight-handling equipment and charging/dispensing stations.’The vouchers themselves are intended to fund around 40 per cent of the purchase price, although authorities state that the amount of voucher incentives vary ‘based on the type of trucks or equipment purchased’. Smaller businesses, i.e. those with less than $10 million in annual gross receipts, will be eligible for larger incentives.The official WAZIP website already features an initial catalogue of eligible vehicles and equipment, which includes battery-electric trucks from BYD, Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack, Volvo and more. However, state authorities have confirmed that a ‘more detailed catalogue with equipment specifications’ is on the way ‘in the coming weeks’.“It’s exciting to see so many interested in the programme,” said Julie Meredith, Washington State Transportation Secretary. “Our state continues to be at the forefront of innovative opportunity with this programme and opens up clean transportation to those who otherwise may not have thought about it before.”wazip.org, wsdot.wa.gov
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