Wolk bill boosts hybrid truck technology in California

Hybrid trucks could greatly reduce petroleum reliance, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions

SACRAMENTO–The Assembly Transportation Committee voted 9-5 yesterday to approve legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to encourage the rapid development of hybrid truck technology in California.

Assembly Bill 1440 creates a $15 million grant program at the California Air Resources Board for demonstration projects that will accelerate the commercialization of medium- and heavy-duty hybrid trucks in various types of urban truck fleets.

“High initial purchase costs and uncertainty about in-use performance, not to mention maintenance costs, are serious obstacles to the rapid commercialization of hybrid technology for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks,” said Wolk. “This bill will help provide a necessary shot in the arm to this promising technology.”

AB 1440 sets a goal of putting 250 new preproduction hybrid trucks into various duty cycles by the end of 2009. The bill limits grants to no more than $80,000 per vehicle, and requires a report to the Legislature by July 2010.

“The hydraulic assist and hybrid electric propulsion systems in medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks have the potential to significantly reduce petroleum reliance, criteria air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Wolk. “Hybrid technology is already proven with delivery trucks, waste removal and utility trucks, transit and school buses and other vehicles now in the final stages of development. This is a great opportunity to help put the technology into widespread use.”

The bill, which will next be heard in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, is sponsored by CALSTART and supported by Waste Management, Inc., PepsiCo, International Truck and Engine, Altec Industries, Inc., Dyne Corporation, and many school districts.