BCTA opens intake for latest round of rebates

The CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency (HDVE) Program, administered by the British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA) and funded by the Government of B.C., has launched its latest intake.

Designed to promote sustainable transportation practices, reduce emissions, and provide economic benefits to carriers, the CleanBC HDVE Program offers an opportunity for carriers to enhance their fleet’s efficiency while contributing to a greener future.

Under the program, eligible carriers are empowered with fuel management strategies that align with the province’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The HDVE Program also includes a rebate system, providing carriers with a financial incentive to adopt fuel-efficient technologies.

Carriers can receive rebates of up to $20,000 per vehicle, and $150,000 per fleet for the purchase and installation of approved fuel-efficient equipment.

“As we enter the fifth year of the CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program, we are pleased to witness the remarkable progress that participants have brought in our collective fight against climate change,” said Rob Fleming, BC’s minister of transportation and infrastructure.

“British Columbia remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental sustainability and the pursuit of a zero-emissions future by 2050. We are proud to see B.C.’s trucking industry taking an active role through their participation in this program.”

Due to a high demand for emission-reduction technology, year four of the HDVE Program saw a number of improvements to its offerings, including increased funding levels, additional qualifying equipment, and higher vehicle thresholds.

While B.C. is leading the country in the switch to zero-emission passenger vehicles for personal transportation, the transition to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles has been more challenging. Until such vehicles and supporting infrastructure is market-ready, the HDVE Program encourages carriers to adopt fuel-efficient technology that is currently available.

Since its inception in 2019, the CleanBC HDVE Program has provided $5.74 million in rebates to carriers across B.C., which has resulted in an estimated annual reduction of 83 million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions across North America. This translates to over 17,570 vehicles taken off the road throughout the continent, or 12,645 vehicles in B.C each year.

“We are grateful for the invaluable partnership we share with the Province in bringing the CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program to fruition. This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment to a sustainable future, where innovation and responsible practices are at the forefront of the trucking industry,” said Dave Earle, BCTA President and CEO.

“Over 83% of our industry do not have feasible class 7 and 8 zero-emission vehicles they can transition to due to weight and range limitations. This means that we need to do more to make the existing fleet on our roads greener, which is the core focus of this Program.”

Year five of the CleanBC HDVE Program will run until August 31, 2024, or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first.

CleanBC HDVE Program Key Features

• The half-day CleanBC HDVE Program Course teaches participants the importance of why truck and motor coach fleets of any size should have a fuel management program that focuses on driver training, benchmarking, adoption of fuel-saving equipment, and fleet turnover, including consideration of alternative fuel options. Course registration is free
• Rebates of up to $20,000 per vehicle and $150,000 per fleet for purchase and installation of approved fuel-saving equipment and technology are available.  See the full list of approved equipment and rebates here.
• Funding is allocated equitably among successful applicants by region and carrier type and size

Eligibility

To be eligible for program incentives, BCTA membership is not required. Companies must meet the full eligibility criteria that are available in the HDVE Program Guide, including:

• At least one company representative must have successfully completed the CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program Course at least once between August 2022-August 2024
• The incentives must be for eligible equipment to be installed on a heavy-duty vehicle (or vehicles) with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) greater than 7,257 kg and operated in BC
• All qualifying equipment being applied for, must be purchased and installed in BC- unless the equipment is unavailable for purchase in BC due to supply chain issues and/or the company selling the equipment does not have a BC-based office (please see Program Guide for more details)
• The company must conduct business in BC
• The company must have at least one terminal in BC

How to Apply

Applicants must first successfully complete the free pre-requisite CleanBC HDVE Program Course before submitting their application. The course, which is offered by webinar and in-person, teaches participants the benefits of having a fuel management program, and how to incorporate measures to improve fuel economy with an emphasis on B.C. specific data. The course also demonstrates how to develop a baseline of fuel consumption and track progress as part of the company’s program. Registration for the CleanBC HDVE Program Course is now open.

Note: Companies must have had a company representative pass the CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program Course since August 2022 to be eligible to apply for program incentives in 2023/24.

Program Course registration information and application details can be found on the BCTA website.