The California Air Resources Board on Feb. 3 launched a $20 million funding assistance program designed to spur the purchase of hybrid trucks and buses to help reduce smog-forming pollution and address climate change.

Funding incentives range from $10,000 to $45,000.

The program is expected to put up to 800 vehicles on the road on a first-come first-served basis. CARB says it created the financial incentive program from AB 118 funding to help Californians purchase cleaner but more costly hybrid vehicles. 

“California is taking an aggressive approach to getting lower-polluting vehicles on the road more quickly,” says CARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols.

The program, which cuts about half the cost of purchasing road-ready hybrid trucks and buses, is expected to spur U.S. manufacturing and technology jobs, bolstering American companies that are leaders in heavy-duty hybrid technology. CARB has partnered with Calstart to administer the program.

Eligibility is based on the purchase of selected hybrid vehicles, and fleet owners must agree to register and operate the vehicle in California for three years. Dealers, manufactures and fleet owners can learn more about the program at californiahvip.org.