Fleets planning to transition their medium- or heavy-duty vehicles to electric in order to meet ACF requirements can secure up to $750,000 to cover the cost of installing charging infrastructure! Read more to learn what the EnergIIZE program is and how your fleet can take advantage of this incredible savings opportunity.
Understanding California’s EnergIIZE Project
The EnergIIZE (Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission) Commercial Vehicles Project aims to enhance community health by cutting down air pollution caused by diesel emissions. Launched in 2021, this initiative also supports California’s commercial fleets and industry partners in achieving the state’s climate objectives. It is financed by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and administered by Calstart.
When Did Round Four of EnergIIZE Begin?
The fourth round of the EnergIIZE project, specifically for the EV Jump Start funding lane, commenced on July 16, 2024. With a first-come, first-serve basis for funding, the high level of enthusiasm around CEC’s EnergIIZE underscores the increasing demand for support within California’s commercial fleet sector.
Eligibility for Application
This program is available to all commercial fleets, off-road equipment users, and independent owner-operators in California, covering up to 75% of eligible project costs. Corporations can apply either directly or with an application partner.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Select Your Funding Lane EnergIIZE offers four funding lanes to cater to the diverse infrastructure needs of commercial fleet users:
- EV Fast Track Lane: For electric vehicle (EV) commercial fleet users involved in a vehicle incentive project or who have procured medium- or heavy-duty (MD/HD) battery electric vehicles. This lane offers up to 75% of eligible project costs, capped at $750,000.
- EV Jump Start Funding Lane: Targets EV commercial fleet users operating in disadvantaged or low-income communities, transit agencies, school bus fleets, small fleet owners, or small businesses. Funding covers up to 75% of eligible project costs, with a cap of $750,000.
- EV Public Charging Station Funding Lane: For commercial fleet users or EV charging station owners deploying publicly accessible charging infrastructure for MD/HD EVs. This lane provides up to 50% of eligible project costs, capped at $500,000.
- Hydrogen Funding Lane: For those deploying hydrogen refueling infrastructure for MD/HD hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This lane offers up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a cap of $3,000,000.
Step 2: Select Your Technology Applicants should review the EnergIIZE Technology Catalog to identify eligible equipment for incentive funding. It is essential to ensure that the chosen vehicle technology qualifies under the EnergIIZE program.
Applicants can collaborate with Application Partners, including Inspiration Mobility, to use qualified electric vehicle models, chargers, and connectors.
Step 3: Utilize the EnergIIZE IPC EnergIIZE employs an online application platform called the IPC (Infrastructure Processing Center), which guides applicants through every step of the application process.
Step 4: Stack EnergIIZE and HVIP for Max Savings Navigating all of the various funding sources and application deadlines can be challenging for fleets transitioning to electric vehicles. That’s where Inspiration Mobility comes in – we’re a comprehensive fleet electrification platform.
A Single Partner to Simplify the Process
Through our free EV assessment, an Inspiration fleet analyst will share which vehicles make the most sense to electrify from both a compliance and cost-savings perspective. With a plan in place, we’ll order the vehicles, install your chargers, and apply all of the incentive dollars to one low monthly lease payment. Inspiration can also provide all of the fleet management tools to streamline operations and allow you to take a data-driven approach to managing your fleet.
Act fast, because funding will run out by the end of 2024 for many fleets… and California’s ACF requirements will kick-in January 2025!