As part of California’s efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases, several programs are available to incentivize California businesses to switch from Internal Combustion to electric equipment. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently proposed its plan to phase out all new gas-powered forklift sales by 2026. If you have not heard about it, click here to read answers to frequently asked questions about the proposed upcoming regulations. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about California’s electric equipment incentives.   

CALIFORNIA’S INCENTIVES FOR ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS

What are the electric equipment incentive programs available in California?   

There are several programs available, including:   

What is the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program?  

Since 1998, the Carl Moyer Program (CMP) has provided funding to encourage the owners of diesel engines to go beyond regulatory requirements by retrofitting, repowering, or replacing their machines with newer and cleaner ones.  

The CMP has been a successful and popular air pollution reduction program. While air pollution regulations remain the primary means to reduce emissions, the CMP complements California’s regulatory program by providing incentives for early or extra NOx, PM, and ROG emission reductions.  

Click here for more information on the CMP related to port equipment.   

What is The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE)?  

The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) is a $125 million project intended to encourage California off-road equipment users to purchase or lease currently commercialized zero-emission off-road equipment.   

This streamlined voucher incentive project helps offset the higher cost of zero-emission technology with a point-of-sale discount. There is no scrappage requirement, and additional funding is available for charging and fueling infrastructure and equipment deployed in disadvantaged communities.  

CARB’S CASH INCENTIVES FOR ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS

What is the CARB Low Carbon Fuel Standard?  

CARB’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard offers zero-emission electric equipment owners cash incentives.   

Who is eligible for CARB’s cash incentives?  

Zero-emission electric equipment owners in California.  

What type of material handling equipment is eligible for CARB’s cash incentives?  

The following material handling equipment is eligible for CARB’s cash incentives:  

  • Electric forklifts
  • Electric pallet jacks
  • Electric order pickers
  • Electric walkie riders
  • Electric reach stackers
  • Yard Truck