Why Now is the Time for Southern California Fleets to Go Electric

Author: Andrea Pratt – VP, Government & Utilities

Medium- and heavy-duty fleet operators across Southern California are facing a critical moment. The path to zero-emission trucking is no longer just a regulatory push, it’s now backed by unprecedented financial support. Multiple funding programs are offering significant incentives for fleets that make the move from diesel to battery-electric commercial vehicles.

Several significant funding programs are available to give fleets the chance to buy down the cost of new equipment. For operators considering electrification, this is the moment to act. Below, we break down the details of the INVEST CLEAN, HVIP, and Southern California Edison Commercial EV Rebates programs.

1. INVEST CLEAN

The INVEST CLEAN program by the South Coast AQMD is one of the largest new funding opportunities for Southern California fleets in years. Backed by nearly $500 million from the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, it’s designed to help fleets replace older diesel equipment with zero-emission alternatives.

Measure 2 — the Battery Electric Freight Vehicle Deployment Incentive Program — provides:

• Up to $400,000 per Class 8 battery-electric truck replacing an existing diesel truck
• Additional funding for Class 4 and 5 battery-electric vehicles under SCAG’s Last Mile Freight Program

The application window opened on August 15, 2025, and closes November 28, 2025. Awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Fleets that prepare early will have the best chance of securing funds.

2. HVIP

The Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is one of the most recognized funding programs in the state — and it returns on September 9, 2025, with more than $200 million available.

This year’s updates mean more fleets can participate:

• All fleet sizes are eligible — restrictions on large fleets have been lifted
• Increased voucher amounts — up to $330,000 per Class 8 battery-electric truck, with even higher amounts for fuel cell vehicles

As with INVEST CLEAN, HVIP operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding tends to move quickly once the portal opens, so fleets should identify eligible vehicles and prepare documentation now.

3. Southern California Edison Commercial EV Rebates

Southern California Edison (SCE) is helping fleets lower the cost of electrification with two major rebate programs designed for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Together, these rebates put millions of dollars on the table for operators looking to make the switch from diesel to battery-electric trucks.

• The SCE Drayage Truck Rebate (DTR) provides a point-of-sale discount for the purchase of eligible Class 7 and Class 8 battery-electric drayage vehicles. Backed by $111.9 million in available funds, the program offers up to $115,000 per Class 7 truck and $150,000 per Class 8 truck. These rebates can be combined with other programs such as HVIP and INVEST CLEAN, maximizing the financial benefit for fleets while accelerating the transition to zero-emission drayage operations.
• The SCE ReCharge Commercial Vehicle Rebate focuses on converting existing Class 4–6 internal combustion vehicles to battery-electric. This rebate scales with battery size and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability: $200 per kWh for standard conversions and $300 per kWh for V2G-capable vehicles, capped at $300/kWh per vehicle. With $15 million in total funding available, the program offers a pathway for fleets to electrify their existing assets while lowering long-term operating costs.

These rebates offer operators reduced upfront purchase or conversion costs, compatibility with other state and regional funding streams, and the ability to modernize fleets. Both programs are structured to encourage participation from small and medium operators, ensuring that the transition to zero-emission fleets is not limited to the largest carriers.

Partner with Greenlane

Electrifying a fleet is a strategic decision that involves more than vehicle purchases, it requires reliable charging infrastructure, route planning, and operational readiness. That’s where Greenlane comes in.

By leveraging our high-capacity charging, you can accelerate truck deployment while avoiding costly, time-intensive construction projects. Beyond immediate access to charging, we can also partner with you on electrification strategies designed to create long-term value for your operations.

Southern California fleets have an unprecedented opportunity to transition to cleaner, quieter, and more cost-efficient operations — with substantial financial support to ease the transition. The window for securing these funds is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

If your fleet is ready to explore electrification, now is the time to act. Reach out to Greenlane to learn more about how our charging solutions can accelerate your fleet electrification journey.