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California' Air Resources Board (ARB) is awarding grants totaling $19 million to fleets for hybrid vehicle technology that reduces formation of smog and greenhouse gas emissions. This is the second year the grants have been awarded.

The Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program will provide vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis to help California fleets purchase fuel-efficient hybrid medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. At least $2 million of the funds will be set aside for California public fleets to increase the number of hybrid vehicles in government operations.

Interested public and private fleets can reserve a voucher for up to $40,000 through a participating dealer at the time the vehicle is ordered. The voucher is then redeemed at the time of purchase. The program is part of the Air Quality Improvement Program, established in 2007 to provide funding for advanced technology vehicles and equipment.

ARB's voucher program is implemented by CALSTART, a non-profit organization that works with business, fleets and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions.

Last year, ARB provided almost $20 million to help California fleets purchase more than 650 hybrid trucks and buses. Almost half of the vouchers were for urban beverage-delivery vehicles and about 20 percent for package-delivery vehicles. In addition to environmental benefits, hybrid technology provides fuel economy gains, particularly in vehicles that require heavy stop-and-go operation or idling.

ARB encourages California's air districts to contribute to the grant program to accelerate the presence of hybrid trucks and buses in their respective districts. The South Coast Air Quality Management District, for example, has contributed $1.4 million to help fleets purchase hybrid trucks and buses in that region.

"This program created an opportunity for California fleets to upgrade their trucks and proves that there is demand for technology that provides clean and fuel-efficient vehicles," said ARB Executive Officer James Goldstene.

Go here for more information regarding the voucher incentive program. Go to this site for a list of vehicles that are eligible under the grant program.

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