CORE Equipment Voucher Incentive Project

Introducing the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE)

Revolutionizing California’s Off-Road Industry: A Green Leap Forward for 2023-2024

With California’s accelerated transition towards a greener and more sustainable future, The California Air Resources Board (CARB), in partnership with CALSTART, has taken a pioneering step with the launch of the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE). This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the off-road equipment sector by encouraging the adoption of clean, low-emission technology by helping with the purchase of zero-emission off-road equipment in California. Here are the details of the project and how to get involved.

To participate in CORE, interested businesses in California should follow these general steps:

What is CORE and How to Participate:

The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) is designed to provide financial incentives to buyers, making it more affordable for them to choose environmentally friendly off-road equipment. The project offers vouchers to eligible buyers, which can be redeemed when purchasing or leasing qualifying equipment. These vouchers serve as a point-of-sale discount, significantly lowering the upfront cost of clean off-road machinery.

There is no scrappage requirement, and additional funding is available for charging and fueling infrastructure, equipment deployed in disadvantaged communities, and small businesses.

Step 1: Check Eligibility:

Applicants should review the eligibility criteria to ensure they qualify for the incentives. CORE provides comprehensive information on their website, and it is essential to understand the terms and conditions of participation. Here are a few examples for the equipment user:

Any off-road equipment Purchaser in California is eligible.
Purchased equipment must be domiciled and operated for at least three years in California after the voucher redemption date.
Equipment Purchasers must also submit activity reports for three years.
Purchasers are not limited to the number of vouchers they can apply for.

Step 2: Select Eligible Equipment:

Choose off-road equipment that meets the requirements set forth by the CORE program. Only equipment that meets specific emission standards and environmental performance benchmarks will be eligible for the incentives. The eligible equipment may include, but is not limited to:

Electric or hybrid-electric construction equipment, such as excavators, , telescopic handlers, bulldozers, and loaders.
Zero-emission industrial vehicles like forklifts and airport ground support equipment.
Clean refrigeration units for trucks and trailers, minimizing diesel consumption.
Hybrid-electric marine vessels, reducing emissions in the shipping industry.

Step 3: Apply for Voucher:

Once the eligible equipment is selected, buyers can apply for a voucher through CORE’s online portal called VPC, using an authorized participating dealer like Southwest to submit the request on your behalf. The application process involves providing necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with all requirements.

Step 4: Redeem the Voucher:

Upon approval, the voucher can be redeemed when purchasing the chosen clean off-road equipment. Buyers will enjoy substantial savings, making the transition to greener technology a more financially viable option.

Equipment Eligibility:

CORE aims to promote a wide range of clean off-road equipment that operates using low-emission technologies. View some examples of forklifts, construction, agriculture, terminal tractors and more:

Select equipment that suits your needs from the Eligible Equipment Catalog
Electric Terminal Tractors – yard goat & yard trucks
Electric Compaction Machines – drum rollers
Electric Construction Range – telehandler, excavators, etc.
Electric Forklifts – large heavy-duty forklifts and container handlers

Criteria of the Project:

The CORE program has certain criteria in place to ensure that only environmentally responsible equipment receives incentives. The key criteria include:

Emission Standards: Eligible equipment must meet stringent emission standards set by CARB, ensuring that they produce significantly lower levels of pollutants compared to conventional equipment.
Performance Standards: The equipment's environmental performance should be in line with the project's goals, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable off-road sector.
California Residency: To qualify for the vouchers, buyers must be residents of California or businesses operating within the state.

Benefits of CORE for the Buyer:

Participating in the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) offers a range of benefits for buyers, including:

Cost Savings: CORE provides buyers with financial incentives, reducing the upfront costs associated with purchasing clean off-road equipment. This makes it more affordable for businesses, municipalities, and individuals to invest in environmentally friendly machinery.
Environmental Impact: By opting for low-emission equipment, buyers directly contribute to reducing harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. This positive environmental impact helps California progress towards its ambitious climate and sustainability goals.
Innovation and Leadership: Buyers who participate in CORE showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. They become leaders in their respective industries, encouraging others to follow suit and adopt cleaner technologies.
Regulatory Compliance: As the world moves towards stricter emissions regulations, investing in clean off-road equipment through CORE ensures that buyers are already ahead of the curve. This proactive approach helps businesses avoid potential future penalties and compliance issues.

In conclusion, the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) is a commendable initiative by The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and CALSTART, aiming to transform the off-road industry’s environmental impact. By providing financial incentives, promoting clean technologies, and encouraging innovation, CORE sets the stage for a greener and more sustainable future in California. Businesses and individuals who participate in this pioneering project will not only reap financial benefits but also contribute to the greater cause of combatting climate change and preserving our planet for generations to come.

You can look for additional information by reviewing the CORE Implementation Manual and you can contact us at Southwest to help you navigate the CORE process – selecting qualifying equipment, trying a demo and get a quote to qualify for a potential voucher.

Find other programs in California to help you fund your equipment using the Fund Finding Tool.

The Funding Finder Tool is designed to help you search and filter for Medium-and-Heavy-Duty Alternative Fuel Vehicle and infrastructure programs in the state of California. Start by filtering results by ZIP Code then filter based on the other criteria you desire.