California Air Resources Board

What Does it Fund?

Vouchers are used to purchase an array of zero-emission off-road equipment such as forklifts, transport refrigeration units, construction and agricultural equipment. Refer to the table for additional eligible equipment categories.

Current Incentive Amount(s)

Who is Eligible 

CORE provides vouchers for California purchasers and lessees for CORE eligible equipment on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that meets California CORE Project technology eligibility requirements can become a CORE-eligible manufacturer. Manufacturer Eligibility Applications are accepted continuously during the funding cycle, including periods when funding is closed. Once a manufacturer application is approved by CARB, the manufacturer’s equipment will be listed in the CORE Catalog.

All equipment purchased through CORE is required to perform specific commercial activities, such as supporting freight operations, construction, agricultural, or commercial harbor craft activities. Interested purchasers may review eligible equipment on the CORE Catalog and contact a CORE-approved dealer who will submit the voucher request on their behalf. Purchasers must show proof of business operations in the State of California for a minimum of one year prior to the voucher request.

How it’s Administered 

CORE will continue to be administered and implemented through a partnership between CARB and a Grantee. A competitive solicitation was conducted in the summer of 2023 with CALSTART selected as the Grantee. A new solicitation for an administrative grantee is being held in the spring of 2026. 

Where and When it’s Offered 

Each fiscal year, CARB staff submits a proposed funding plan to the Board for approval that serves as the blueprint for expending Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), the Air Pollution Control Fund (APCF), and Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) funds appropriated to CARB in the State budget. More specifically, the plan establishes CARB's priorities for the funding cycle, describes the projects CARB intends to fund, and sets funding targets for each project. CORE is part of CARB’s funding plan and yearly allocations for CORE are reflected in the funding plan. CORE funds are released during a disclosed window of time for eligible applicants on a first-come first-served basis.

Project Funding or Participation Requirements  

Manufacturers  

• Read and understand the CORE Implementation Manual 
• Compile documents outlined in Attachment A 
• Send complete application package to CORE@arb.ca.gov 
• Advise dealers to enroll 

Dealers 

• Email a CORE Project Administrator expressing your interest in becoming a CORE-approved Dealer at coredealertraining@californiacore.org; attach the Dealer Registration Form, Dealer’s Terms & Conditions, and IRS W-9 Form. 

• After confirmation, a CORE Project Administrator will provide the link to the CORE Dealer Learning Module, a learning module based on the Implementation Manual that provides programmatic basics, insights on participation requirements, and weighed quizzes. Completion of the Dealer Enrollment Learning Module is mandatory. Prospective Dealers must score 80% or higher to meet the minimum standards for Dealer approbation. Allocate at least 60 minutes to complete this requirement. You must download and email the Certificate of Dealer Approbation (available upon completion of the module) to confirm you have completed the course. 

• Once confirmation is verified, a CORE Project Administrator will provide Voucher Processing Center login credentials and add the newly CORE-approved Dealer to the Eligible Equipment Catalog. 

Project Resources

CORE Equipment Catalog: All Equipment

CORE FAQ, Implementation Manual, and additional information: Resources - Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project