Incentive amounts are shown on the Funding page. To view HVIP-eligible zero-emission vehicles and their respective incentive amounts, visit the HVIP Vehicle Catalog.

The HVIP catalog shows only the base incentive amounts, not full vehicle prices. To calculate the total cost, contact an approved dealer to negotiate a price, then subtract the HVIP incentive amount on your purchase order.

HVIP set-aside funds are targeted funding allocations reserved for the deployment of specific vehicle types and to assist specific fleet operations. Current set-asides include:

• Drayage
• Public Transit
• Public School Bus
• Innovative Small e-Fleet (ISEF) Program

No, HVIP does not cover taxes, fees, or other non-vehicle costs. HVIP can cover up to 90% of the cost of each vehicle for private entities, and up to 100% for public entities (excluding taxes, fees, and other non-vehicle costs). See the respective set-aside Appendices for Public School Bus, ZESBI, and ISEF regarding the potential eligibility of taxes and fees.

Yes, HVIP vouchers can be combined with other eligible funding sources. For information about stacking incentives, see the Funding page. You can also explore additional funding opportunities using the Funding Finder Tool.

Yes. While HVIP focuses on vehicle purchase incentives, California offers multiple programs to support infrastructure development:

• EnergIIZE Commercial Vehicles: Funding for medium- and heavy-duty fleet infrastructure.
• Communities in Charge: Light-duty EV charging in community settings.
• Carl Moyer Program: Infrastructure that enables cleaner vehicle deployment.
• Cal Fleet Advisor: Free guidance on navigating available infrastructure incentives.

Eligible vehicles must be zero-emission and meet CARB’s certification requirements. The vehicle must also be registered and operated in California. You can find all currently eligible vehicles in the HVIP Vehicle Catalog, which can filter and search for vehicle type, manufacturer, vehicle size, and more.

CARB defines vehicle eligibility requirements. Manufacturers should reference Appendix B: Vehicle Eligibility in the Implementation Manual and contact [email protected] for more information.

Yes, demo vehicles are permitted in HVIP in accordance with Appendix I: Demonstration Vehicles.

HVIP has a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) requirement for new battery electric school buses. Specifically, all new battery electric school buses submitted for HVIP eligibility on or after January 1, 2024, must be capable of bidirectional charging in compliance with the ISO 15118-20 standard for V2G communication. Vehicle manufacturers must self-certify that their school buses meet the V2G requirements when submitting the HVIP eligibility application.

Yes, retrofits or conversions of trucks and buses from internal combustion to zero-emission can be funded through HVIP. See the Implementation Manual for more information.

HVIP does not require scrappage of an old vehicle and does not have any requirements about what happens to replaced vehicles. Exceptions apply to school buses funded via the Public School Bus Set-Aside or ZESBI; for specific program rules, refer to Appendix G: Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure of the Implementation Manual.

Vehicle weight classes are primarily based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum operating weight of a vehicle as specified by the manufacturer. More information on vehicle weight classes and categories is available from the U.S. Department of Energy.

HVIP-approved dealers are responsible for submitting and managing voucher requests through the VPC. Purchasers must work with their dealer but should not have access to VPC credentials. Dealers must complete all forms and submit the required documents on behalf of the purchaser.

To find HVIP dealers in your area, visit the approved dealer catalog, search by zip code or manufacturer, and contact dealers directly to confirm current inventory and voucher availability. Only purchases made through these participating dealers qualify for HVIP discounts.

Dealers can check the status of their vouchers in the VPC. For detailed information on the meaning of each status designation, refer to the Implementation Manual.

Both the dealer and purchaser will receive an email update when funding is secured.

In most cases, HVIP provides vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis. The amount of time it takes to process a voucher request depends on the volume of vouchers received, the responsiveness of the dealer, and the completeness of the information provided.

Yes, purchasers and dealers can request a voucher cancellation by contacting [email protected].

No. It is against HVIP policy to provide funding for vehicles that are delivered or paid for ahead of voucher requests.

Transit agencies can submit a letter of intent (LOI) instead of a purchase order when requesting a voucher. A valid purchase order or binding agreement must be submitted within six months, or the request will be cancelled. If an LOI is used, the voucher will stay in Funding Reserved status until the order is received. For more details, see Appendix H: HVIP Public Transit Bus Set-Aside.

Per California Assembly Bill 794, any voucher request for a tractor, panel-step van, straight truck, refuse truck, or 2b vehicle requires a mandatory attestation by the purchaser/lessee that they are in compliance with labor laws. Submit the attestation and continue to renew annually until three years after voucher redemption. The attestation includes the assurance that the purchaser will retain direct control over the manner and means for performance of any individual using or driving the vehicle.

A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is used and issued by the IRS. A Carrier Identification Number (CA#) is obtained from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). To acquire a CA#, applicants must complete a CHP 362 Motor Carrier Profile and submit it to a local CHP Motor Carrier Safety Unit.

Yes, tax information provided to verify revenue will also be used to verify the California business location.

Private fleets must identify the total revenue, receipts, and sales reported to the IRS in the purchasing entity’s most recent filing. This information may be reported in Box 1c of IRS Form 1120, Box 1c of IRS Form 1065, or Box 3 of IRS Schedule C (Form 1040). Exceptions apply to school buses funded through the Public School Bus Set-Aside or ZESBI; for those specific program rules, refer to Appendix G. Nonprofits will be required to submit Form 990 when requesting a voucher.

If a private entity, the purchaser must be in business for at least one year prior to submitting a request for an HVIP voucher and must show proof of business operations in the State of California for a minimum of one year prior to voucher request. This must include the following:

1. A valid registration with the Secretary of State of the business entity (CARB or its designee may utilize the California Secretary of State Business Search portal to determine validity of business entity registration) or
2. A valid business license issued by the municipality the purchaser operates within or
3. Provide a cover page of previous two years of filling of State of California or IRS Tax Return or an IRS transcript showing proof of filing, within 30 days of the voucher request.

Dealers must apply and receive approval from HVIP before they can submit voucher requests on behalf of their customers. Any dealer or manufacturer who sells HVIP-eligible technologies should preregister to begin the onboarding process as an approved dealer.

Dealers use the VPC, a platform for HVIP voucher management. Through the VPC, dealers can submit voucher requests, upload required documentation, track the status of applications, and track the entire process from request to redemption. Only HVIP-approved dealers have access to the VPC.

A VPC account may be deactivated if a dealer has not logged in for more than 365 days, or non-participation in the annual Refresher Training. If you believe your VPC login has been deactivated, contact Dealer Training. The program administrators will likely require that you pass the HVIP Dealer Training Learning Hub and comprehensive quiz before your eligibility status is updated.

HVIP provides comprehensive resources to support dealers through the voucher process. Visit the dealer page for detailed information about becoming an HVIP-approved dealer, the application process, and program requirements.

Email voucher-specific questions to [email protected].

ISEF operates as a three-party transaction involving a small fleet, an approved ISEF Provider, and an authorized HVIP dealer. The dealer submits voucher requests on behalf of the Provider for the small fleet, coordinating the solution agreement, financing, and vehicle delivery to ensure seamless access to zero-emission technology.

Standard HVIP is designed for small fleet owners looking to purchase vehicles outright. ISEF is a dedicated set-aside fund within HVIP that serves small fleets through innovative offerings like short-term leases, rentals, and truck-as-a-service through approved Providers. ISEF helps remove financial barriers and technical complexities, providing a simplified pathway for small fleets to shift to zero-emission vehicles without a direct purchase.

All Class 2b-8 vehicles included in the HVIP catalog, along with certain types of buses, are eligible for ISEF. See the full vehicle catalog.

No, ISEF has no scrappage requirement.

Yes, ISEF is open to new companies. ISEF can grant exceptions to the Secretary of State business standing requirement on a case-by-case basis. For details, refer to Appendix F.

Truck-as-a-service (TAAS) is a business model in which trucks are provided to customers on a subscription or pay-per-use basis, such as a per-mile or per-route rate, rather than through outright purchase or long-term leasing. This model simplifies fleet management by offering a comprehensive suite of services, often including vehicles, costs of charging infrastructure, installation, and maintenance.

Yes. Small fleets are capped at five voucher requests per funding year, including any outstanding requests made through Standard HVIP.

An ISEF Provider is capped at 30 voucher requests in the first 90 days of opening, after which the cap is lifted. ISEF Provider request caps are detailed in Appendix F.

Yes. Any vehicle over 10,000 lbs. GVWR is required to have a CA# or DOT#. For help getting these numbers, contact [email protected].

As an ISEF Provider, you’ll need to:

• Submit standard reporting: Provide regular telematics reports and surveys for at least three years.
• Submit biannual reports (if applicable): If your ISEF solution involves frequent fleet turnover (such as short-term rentals), submit reports every six months detailing how ISEF-assisted vehicles are being used and by whom. See the Biannual Reporting Guidelines for requirements. This replaces the need for preapproval of each domicile address change.
• Track vehicle utilization: Ensure funded vehicles are used by small fleet operators for at least 200 days per year and maintain records to demonstrate compliance.