Other Agreements for Projects
Interagency Agreements
- Division of Measurement Standards (DMS)
The Energy Commission provided $4,000,000 to DMS, within the California Department of Food and Agriculture, for the development of critical standards and certifications for hydrogen and biodiesel fuels. The current lack of a "type approval" for hydrogen means that hydrogen cannot be sold on a per-unit basis. Unless addressed, this will remain a significant barrier to the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. Additionally, DMS will research and develop fuel quality standards for both hydrogen and biodiesel blends. DMS will also conduct research to support standards that will allow biodiesel blends greater than 20 percent to be available in a retail setting. - Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) - California Air Resources Board (ARB)
The Energy Commission provided $2,000,000 to supplement the ARB's vehicle incentives under the CVRP. The CVRP provides incentives for freeway-capable plug-in electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles. As manufacturers' options and consumer interest in these vehicles increased, so has the need for vehicle incentives. The ARB initially allocated $9,000,000 in Air Quality Improvement Program funds for this purpose; however, this is insufficient for near-term demand. The additional funding from the Energy Commission will provide incentives for 400 additional vehicles. - Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP) - ARB
The Energy Commission provided $4,000,000 to supplement the ARB's vehicle incentives for under the HVIP. The HVIP provides incentives for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that utilize hybrid technology, such as hybrid-electric or hybrid-hydraulic. The incentive amount available through the HVIP increases based on the vehicles' gross vehicle weight. Funding is also available for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that operate strictly on electricity; however, the incentive amount for these vehicles is not proportional to their higher costs. The Energy Commission's funds will provide for a higher incentive for pure-electric vehicles, which will increase their immediate market viability.