What are CARB Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) program vouchers, and what is their significance for the trucking industry?

The CARB Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) program vouchers from the California Air Resources Board incentivize the adoption of zero-emission trucks and buses. These vouchers help companies offset the cost of buying or leasing new vehicles that produce no harmful emissions and reduce the state's air pollution. The significance of these vouchers is that they encourage trucking companies like AJR Trucking to invest in newer, cleaner technologies.

What is the Inflation Reduction Act and how are trucking companies benefiting?king?

The Inflation Reduction Act will provide $40,000 in federal tax credits for each hydrogen fuel-cell truck purchased by AJR Trucking. These tax credits are intended to offset the higher cost of vehicles powered by advanced fuel technologies compared to conventional trucks with internal combustion engines. The tax credit will provide AJR Trucking some financial relief on initial purchase or lease cost of the hydrogen fuel-cell trucks.

Will the deployment of hydrogen fuel-cell trucks lead to a reduction in air pollution?

Yes. Hydrogen fuel-cell trucks produce no harmful emissions except for water, making them a greener solution for hauling freight across the country. By replacing traditional diesel engines with clean technologies, such as hydrogen fuel-cell technology, trucking companies are taking steps toward reducing air pollution, which is a positive trend for the industry.

What is a hydrogen fuel-cell truck, and what are its benefits?

A hydrogen fuel-cell truck is an advanced truck that uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity. This electricity powers an electric motor, which propels the vehicle. Unlike traditional diesel engines, hydrogen fuel-cell trucks produce no emissions except for water. Because they produce no harmful emissions, these trucks are often used as zero-emission solutions for freight hauling. The purchase of 50 Nikola Tre hydrogen fuel-cell trucks by AJR Trucking suggests a trend of adoption of green vehicles by the industry.

AJR Trucking orders 50 Nikola TRE fuel cell trucks

May 9, 2023 0 By Hydrogen Fuel News

AJR Trucking has placed an order for 50 Nikola Tre hydrogen fuel cell trucks from Tom’s Truck Centers, Nikola’s dealership network partner, with delivery scheduled between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. The involved parties will jointly support AJR in acquiring California Air Resources Board vouchers that will provide $270,000 in incentives for each truck, along with $40,000 in federal tax credits. AJR anticipates lower operational costs with the hydrogen-powered trucks, and the ownership expects to leverage Nikola’s mobile fueling solution to support deployment. Overall, the partnership is expected to help AJR provide zero-emissions freight solutions to its customers.

The leading USPS carrier and major Ports of Los Angeles drayage carrier announced the purchase order.

AJR Trucking has announced that it has executed a purchase order for 50 Nikola Tre hydrogen fuel cell trucks from a member of the Nikola Corporation sales and service dealer network, Tom’s Truck Centers.

Deliveries of the H2-powered vehicles are slated to occur between Q4 2023 and Q1 2024.

Tom’s Truck Centers and Nikola will jointly support AJR Trucking in securing its CARB Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) program voucher application. This is expected to provide $270,000 in point-of-sale incentives for each of the fuel cell trucks. The Inflation Reduction Act is also expected to provide another $40,000 in federal tax credits.

Nikola and AJR Trucking will investigate applications for the deployment of the 10,000 psi (700 bar) mobile fueling solution at the Compton, California and Santa Clarita, California AJR Trucking locations. These will be used to offer seamless H2 vehicle refueling. AJR Trucking anticipates receiving competitively priced H2 deliveries from Nikola to its terminals in order to support the deployment of the H2 vehicles.

AJR Trucking expects the fuel cell trucks will essentially run at cost parity compared to its existing fleets.

“We are confident the future of trucking is zero-emissions, and based upon our operational needs, the Nikola Tre FCEVs were the only zero tailpipe emission vehicles that could meet our range, performance, and cost targets,” explained AJR Trucking owner Jack Khudikyan.

“We are excited to be at the forefront of the deployment of this new technology and to be able to offer our customers zero-emissions freight solutions. We look forward to working with Nikola and USPS to integrate the FCEVs into our mail hauling operations starting in Southern Calif. and envision expanding the use of these trucks throughout our operations nationwide,” added Khudikyan.

Promising new partnership

“We are excited about our partnership with AJR Trucking for the deployment of Nikola’s Tre FCEV trucks and hydrogen fueling solutions,” said Tom’s Truck Center President and CEO K.C. Heidler in a news release about the hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

“We look forward to partnering with AJR Trucking as we support the expansion of their FCEV fleet and hydrogen fueling requirements throughout Calif. and into their operations for USPS nationwide.”

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