SJV Clean Transportation Center: Jan./Feb. Newsletter




Welcome to the January/February 2017 San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center Newsletter. With funding from the California Energy Commission, CALSTART opened the Center with the goal to accelerate the use of clean vehicles and fuels and help the region more quickly meet air quality targets.

PG&E Offers EV Drivers $500 Rebate, Begins Charging Infrastructure Program 

PG&E residential customers who drive an electric vehicle (EV) now are eligible to receive a $500 Clean Fuel Rebate. Those who currently own or lease an eligible EV and have an active PG&E residential electric account may apply for the rebate online. Unlike programs only for new EV drivers, this one-time rebate began in January 2017 and also is open to those who may have had an EV for several years.  

Guidelines and the online application can be found on PG&E's website. Applicants will need their PG&E account number and the vehicle's registration information. Except for portions of Tulare County, much of the Valley is in PG&E territory. PG&E's service area is detailed in this map and list of zip codes.

Funding for the Clean Fuel Rebate comes from a State of California program called the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). PG&E earns credits in the program when customers use electricity at home to charge their electric vehicles. PG&E returns the value of these credits to its electric vehicle customers through the Clean Fuel Rebate. 

PG&E also on December 15 received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for $130 million to be spent during Phase 1 of the Charge Smart and Save program to fund EV infrastructure in its service territory. Up to 7,500 EV charging stations will be installed in workplaces, multi-unit dwellings and disadvantaged communities. The program will begin until later this year, and an interest list of potential sites is being established.

PG&E estimates that just 5,000 Level 2 chargers currently are in the 70,000-square-mile territory the utility serves, while roughly 100,000 will be needed in order to meet Govern Brown's goal of having 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles in California by 2025. California leads the nation in EV sales with more than 269,000 EVs sold statewide.

Go to PG&E's website for more information or to sign up for the interest list. In addition, a January 20 company news release has more information on PG&E's most recent proposal to the CPUC. In this next phase, PG&E would fund an additional $250 million to accelerate EV adoption. 



The Fresno Yosemite International Airport now has 14 Telefonix chargers in public parking areas in addition to six chargers for employees. Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle along with Fresno City Councilmembers Paul Caprioglio and Oliver L. Baines III (below, left to right) hold a check from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which provided $30,000 to help fund six Level 2 public chargers through its Charge Up! program. Councilmember Baines also serves on the Air District Board. 


Fresno Yosemite International Airport Region's Largest EV Charging Site

With 20 electric vehicle (EV) chargers now installed, the Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the region's largest site for EV charging. At a ceremony December 16, eight Level 1 chargers in long-term parking and six Level 2 chargers in short-term parking were dedicated. Six additional chargers are in an employee parking area. All of the PowerPost EVSE chargers from Telefonix feature a colorful personalized wrap unique to their location.

"The majority of travelers are not from Fresno," said Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle. "We did not know how much they would be used, but right out of the gate we are seeing them being used on a daily basis." Charging is offered at no additional cost besides the regular parking fees.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's Charge Up! program provided $30,000 in funding for the Level 2 public chargers. The program funds up to $5,000 for single-port and $6,000 for dual-port chargers accessible by the public.

"We also put charging infrastructure in for the airlines," added Meikle. "So they have been steadily converting their diesel equipment, like the tugs and baggage carts, to electric. Collectively, the airlines are at about a 60 percent electric fleet."

For more information, read the airport's news release or view a video posted on their Facebook page. 



CALSTART Selected to Administer HVIP, ARB Approves $36 Million for FY 2016-17

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) on January 24 announced that CALSTART has been selected as the grantee to administer the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project and Low-NOx Engine Incentives (HVIP) for Fiscal Year 2016-17.

Offering point-of-sale incentives for clean trucks and buses in California, HVIP is intended to encourage and accelerate the deployment of new hybrid and zero-emission trucks and buses in California The Low-NOx Engine Incentives project is designed to cover the full incremental cost over a standard natural gas engine and includes both repowers as well new vehicles.

The program will be allocated a total of $36 million in incentive funding from ARB for FY 2016-17. This includes $23 million for Low-NOx Engine Incentives and $13 million for HVIP. For more information, go to the HVIP website or call 888-457-HVIP. 



The SJVCTC staff was able to test drive this Bolt at Three-Way Chevrolet in Bakersfield. The Bolt handles well on the freeway and in town, offering a great driving experience overall. Dario Hernandez is the new EV sales contact at Three-Way, which has been offering a $2,000 discount off MSRP on new Bolts. Dario, who used to work for Nissan and drives a Leaf, can be contacted at dhernandez@3waychev.com or (661)301-5514. Tracy Chevrolet is advertising a 36-month lease for $339 a month plus tax ($1,600 at signing). Call (209)229-4901 for information. Contact your local dealer for special offers and financing they may have available. 

Chevrolet Bolts Arrive at SJV Dealerships 

Chevrolet Bolts have arrived at dealerships throughout the San Joaquin Valley. With 238 miles of all-electric range and a starting MSRP of $36,620 before rebates and incentives, the small SUV has a growing list of accolades, including 2017 North American Car of the Year,  2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year and Green Car Reports Best Car to Buy 2017.

With the addition of PG&E's $500 Clean Fuel Rebate (see article above), Valley residents who purchase or lease a new EV now may qualify for up to $15,500 in rebates and incentives, depending on income and eligibility. Besides a $7,500 federal tax credit, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's Drive Clean! offers a rebate of $3,000 and the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) provides $2,500 to $4,500* for all-electric vehicles (*higher rebate amount for low-income households). The Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District has a new voucher program providing $5,000 for the purchase of a BEV and $3,000 for a PHEV. The program is for purchases only, and the voucher must be obtained before purchase at an approved dealership.

Most SJV Chevrolet dealers have Bolts for sale. Call your local dealership, go online to the Chevrolet website or contact the SJVCTC for more information. Google News recently featured an article on the Bolt and how it may compare to the Tesla 3.

*Consumers with a household income less than or equal to 300 percent of the federal poverty level ($72,900 for a family of four for 2016) are eligible for an added $2,000 rebate, bringing the total CVRP amount to $4,500. 



The San Joaquin Valley Electric Vehicle Partnership will host a Workplace Charging Workshop February 24 at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, which has Level 2 chargers from ChargePoint.  

Plan to Attend Workplace Charging Workshop February 24 in Bakersfield 

If your business or organization is interested in electric vehicles and EV charging, don't miss the Workplace Charging Workshop set for February 24 in Bakersfield. Hosted by the San Joaquin Valley Electric Vehicle Partnership (SJVEVP), the event takes place at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Presentations will include:
  • Introduction to Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations: San Joaquin Valley Clean Cities Coalition
  • EV Charging Equipment: EVgo, Telefonix, ChargePoint, Envision Solar, Fresno Yosemite International Airport
  • EV Incentives: PG&E, SCE, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD), Center for Sustainable Energy, EV Perks
  • Electric Vehicles: Nissan of Bakersfield, Jim Burke Ford, Proterra, GreenPower
  • Workplace Charging: SJVAPCD, Telefonix
The event also will feature an electric vehicle display in the parking lot. Registration for the workshop, which includes continental breakfast and hot lunch, is $40. (Paid members of the San Joaquin Valley Clean Cities Coalition receive a discount.) More information can be found on the Project Clean Air website, or go to Eventbrite to register
Director's Message
By Joseph Oldham

So far, 2017 is off to a great start here in the San Joaquin Valley. And with the wonderful rain and snow that we have been blessed with this winter, spring in the Valley promises to be amazing this year with an incredible blossom display on Valley farms and vibrant wildflowers in the mountains!

It is going to be an amazing year for clean transportation as well, as you will see in this edition of the CALSTART San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Newsletter! From Fresno Yosemite International Airport becoming the largest EV charging location in the San Joaquin Valley to what promises to be a great week at the Tulare World Ag Expo with a great display of the latest in natural gas truck technology at the Southern California Gas Company's (SoCal Gas) booth, the opportunities to learn about and then use cleaner vehicle technologies just continue to expand in the Valley. And with these technologies come the benefits of cleaner air for our families, friends and co-workers so that everyone can enjoy the natural beauty our region has to offer.

Among the great articles in this edition of the newsletter, please note the first article about the new PG&E $500 rebate for EV owners! This nice surprise came to our attention in January when PG&E announced they were providing $500 rebates for owners or lessees of EVs that charge their cars at home on their residential account. I was one of the first people to take advantage of this and was very pleased with how simple the application process was. I received my $500 check in less than the four-week time frame PG&E states on the application, and it was nice to get another rebate for my 2013 Chevy Volt even though the car has more than 95,000 miles on it!

Also, come and visit us at the 2017 World Ag Expo in Tulare next week, February 14-16. SoCal Gas has graciously allowed us to have some booth space with them at the show. The weather is forecast to be sunny with temperatures in the upper to mid-60s, which is nearly ideal to see the incredible displays of equipment and technology at the Ag Expo – and to enjoy the great food. Staff from the CALSTART San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center will be at the Expo all three days.

Besides talking about the new HVIP incentives for natural gas engines, we will be asking truck owners to take a short survey about if they have considered using natural gas and any barriers they have to using it in their trucks. The survey will be short, with only about 5-6 multiple choice questions, and should take less than five minutes to complete. Answers will be used to help us design programs working with our industry and government partners to overcome the barriers identified in the survey and make it easier for truck owners and fleet operators to use natural gas as a cleaner alternative to diesel fuel.

Finally, as we move into spring and start to enjoy the spectacular beauty of our region, let’s all remember that each of us can help keep our air clean through the decisions we make every day. Consider walking instead of driving, ride a bike to work or on errands, take transit once a week to work, or ride Amtrak on your next trip; all of these options help reduce traffic and air pollution associated with transportation. It is our Valley, and each of us working together can help keep our air clean!

“The CALSTART San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center is a joint project between CALSTART and the California Energy Commission (CEC). It is funded through a grant from the CEC with the mission to assist residents and businesses in the San Joaquin Valley deploy cleaner transportation options to help improve air quality and promote economic prosperity. For more information about CALSTART, visit www.calstart.org
 

Look for Us at the 2017 World Ag Expo

The San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center will be at the World Ag Expo in Tulare on  February 14-16. Look for us at the Southern California Gas Company's booth. This is the 50th anniversary of the World Ag Expo, which is the world's largest annual agricultural exposition.

The Ag Expo is at the International Agri-Center, 4500 Laspina Street in Tulare. Come and talk to us about various grants and incentive programs that are available for alternative-fuel vehicles. 

 

Looking for Grant Information?

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District offers a variety of grants and incentive programs for public agencies, residents, businesses and technology. Interested parties should apply early since incentives typically are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A complete list of current incentive programs is available on the Air District website.

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) administers grant programs funded through various sources, including the Cap-and-Trade program. A complete list of the various funding programs is available on the
ARB website.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) also administers grant programs for transportation technology. Go to the 
CEC website for information.

Various Federal agencies offer grants and incentives for transportation technology each year. All Federal agencies use the
Grants.gov website for submitting and receiving grant applications. 
 

Quotes Worth Noting

"Based on all the information out there and the demand for electric buses in 2017 and beyond, it will be very difficult for the four major manufacturers (BYD, Proterra, New Flyer and GreenPower) to meet the demand. From a business perspective, it is the perfect place to be."

Brendan Riley, GreenPower Motor Company's newly appointed President, in a January 25, 2017, interview for the Cantech Letter

 


Copyright © 2017 by CALSTART, All rights reserved.

Contact Us
Joseph Oldham, Director
San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center
Address: 510 W. Kearney Blvd., Fresno, CA 93706
Phone: (559) 797-6034
Email: joldham@calstart.org
Website: www.sjvcleantransportation.org

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Newsletter Editor: Brenda Turner, Project Clean Air
projectcleanairprograms@gmail.com