Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo recently enacted Assembly Bill 184, known as the Nevada Clean Trucks and Buses Incentive Program, which aims to facilitate the adoption of medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks and buses by businesses and public fleets. The law provides financial incentives to Nevada-based organizations that currently own gas or diesel-powered trucks and buses, encouraging them to transition to electric or hydrogen vehicles that produce zero exhaust emissions.
Under the provisions of AB184, a clean truck or bus is defined as a vehicle of medium or heavy duty, powered by electricity stored in a battery or generated by a hydrogen fuel cell. The incentives offered for electric trucks and buses vary depending on their gross vehicle weight rating class. While there are eight weight classes in total, the program covers incentives for seven classes, ranging from 2B, which offers a base incentive of $20,000, up to the heaviest class, 8, which provides a base incentive of $175,000. Notably, Tesla, known for manufacturing electric semi trucks, operates in Nevada and offers class 8 electric vehicles at approximately $250,000 per unit.
In addition to the base incentives, there are supplementary incentives available for specific categories that can be combined with the base amounts. For instance, small businesses are eligible for a 20% increase in the base incentive, while independent truck owners receive a 33% increase. School districts and charter schools qualify for a 20% increase, and disadvantaged small businesses, such as minority-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and woman-owned enterprises, are eligible for a 5% increase. Multiple applicable increases can be combined for qualified recipients.
The Nevada Clean Trucks and Buses Incentive Program will be funded with 35% of the federal government’s Carbon Reduction Program allocation designated for Nevada. The program is set to launch in January 2024, providing organizations with the opportunity to take advantage of the incentives and transition to cleaner transportation options.
Public health organizations in the state have expressed their support for this law, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on air quality. John Packham, policy director for the Nevada Public Health Association, praised the initiative, stating that investing in zero-emission transportation is crucial for improving air quality and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
With the implementation of the Nevada Clean Trucks and Buses Incentive Program, the state is taking a significant step toward a greener future, encouraging the transition to cleaner transportation alternatives and protecting both the environment and public health.