WSDOT Opening $112M Clean Truck Program in April

The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to roll out a new program in April to help businesses and fleet operators transition to cleaner medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

[Above photo via WSDOT]

Via the new program, potential truck buyers can request vouchers through the Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program or WAZIP. A total of $112 million in voucher incentives will be available through the state’s Climate Commitment Act; incentives that lower the upfront purchase price of the unit.

WSDOT said many types of medium- and heavy-duty equipment qualify, including 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 amount of the voucher incentives varies, based on the type of equipment purchased. Small businesses will be eligible for enhanced incentives and buyers must also work with pre-approved vehicle and equipment dealerships across the state.

[Editor’s note: This new program follows on the heels of $12.16 million WSDOT recently awarded to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure statewide.]

WSDOT noted it has selected operations partner CALSTART to administer the program. Together, WSDOT and CALSTART have developed a detailed program implementation manual so interested parties can learn more about its guidelines, buyer eligibility, and funding rules. A list of eligible vehicles and equipment will be published online in March, with a more detailed catalog available following program launch, the agency noted.

Vehicle and equipment dealerships interested in participating will be required to register online and complete required training. Both dealers and potential buyers are encouraged to review the implementation manual and sign up for program updates on the WAZIP website, which also allows potential buyers to express interest early, with technical assistance available throughout the buying process to help choose the right vehicles and plan for charging needs.

“We’re accelerating the switch to zero-emission vehicles by helping businesses afford new equipment that will benefit them for years to come,” said Julie Meredith, WSDOT secretary, in a statement. “Potential buyers are encouraged to plan now for the availability of these voucher incentives. We anticipate funding will be in great demand and vouchers will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.”