The California Volkswagen (VW) Zero-Emission Freight and Marine (ZEFM) Program is now open, offering up to $25 million in funding to owners of equipment based in California. The following zero-emissions projects are eligible:

• Repowering marine vessels, including ferries, tugboats, and towboats to zero-emission;
• Replacing heavy-lift forklifts (with a lift capacity of 8,001 lbs. or greater) with zero-emission alternatives; and
• Replacing cargo handling equipment including terminal tractors with zero-emission alternatives.

Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until January 22, 2025, at 4 PM PDT. To date, over $45 million of the program’s $70 million allocation has been awarded to eligible projects from previous solicitations.

Start your application  today at Zero-Emission Freight and Marine Projects (californiavwtrust.org).

This solicitation includes several key updates:

• Qualifying projects are eligible for the highest possible grant amount, limited only by the total vehicle cost and prior equipment usage.
• The definition of “port” has been expanded to include river ports, railyards, freight terminals, intermodal facilities, and freight corridors.
• “Ferry” now also includes water taxis.
• All marine vessel repower projects must submit proof of their submitted ZEAT applications to CARB as part of their VW ZEFM application.
• This solicitation does not include funds for Airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• CARB’s Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) Voucher Incentive Project does currently have funds available, please visit the CORE website if you wish to apply.

Upcoming Webinar

There is an informational webinar to review program requirements and the application process on Wednesday, January 8 2025, at 2 PM PDT. Register now.