Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles weigh more than 10,000 pounds and include school and public transit buses, freight, and other fleet vehicles. These vehicles produce a disproportionately large portion of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, given their relatively small numbers, and also produce significant amounts of air pollution.

Complete Coach Works Zero-Emission Propulsion System Bus

Through the Clean Transportation Program (formerly known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program), the California Energy Commission is investing in projects throughout California that accelerate advancement and adoption of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle technologies that produce zero or near-zero emissions. The program also invests in fueling stations for public and fleet vehicles that support the accelerated deployment of these vehicles.

The Clean Transportation Program's investments support the state’s efforts to achieve its climate change goals and improve air quality. These investments also support the state’s progress toward a sustainable freight system, as well as the transition of California’s ports to zero- and near-zero emission vehicles and equipment.

Benefits of Medium/Heavy-Duty Vehicles with Zero or Near-Zero Emissions

  • Produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants than conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, when utilizing renewable fuels
  • Transitioning to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with zero or near-zero emissions creates jobs
  • Provide cleaner air for the surrounding communities, many of which are severely impacted by air pollution
  • Maximizes investment, with significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from replacement of a relatively small number of vehicles