California Air Resources Board

Project Goals

The goal of the pilot is to increase financing opportunities for small businesses buying zero-emission trucks. The Zero-Emission Truck Loan Pilot builds on the highly successful legacy Truck Loan program and is designed to provide continuity and consistency for eligible fleets and lenders. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA), and participating lenders also have the opportunity to learn about the needs of fleets in the growing market. 

Guiding Legislation/Policy Drivers 

The trucking industry is complex with many kinds of businesses of all different sizes, so a range of assistance and resources is needed to make vehicle upgrades easier.

Passed in 2021, Senate Bill 372 (Leyva) directs CARB to create and run the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Purchasing Assistance Program. The goal is to help businesses that operate trucks switch to clean zero-emission technologies by using financial tools (such as loans) and other kinds of support.  

Project Allocation History 

Program funding is from the following sources:

• Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23: $5 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
• FY 2024-25: $5 million from the Air Quality Improvement Fund
• Legacy Truck Loan Program surplus funds: $3.98 million

Project/Policy Changes  

The program launched on May 1, 2024.