California Air Resources Board

CARB is one agency among others in California working to expand the use and production of alternative fuels and vehicles for their benefits to air quality, climate change and to reduce our dependence on petroleum-based fuels. This page provides information on CARB's current and past incentive programs for alternative fuels and vehicles. Visit the Business Assistance page to find other air pollution incentives, grants and credit programs.

Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)

The Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), established by the California Alternative and Renewable Fuel, Vehicle Technology, Clean Air, and Carbon Reduction Act of 2007 (Assembly Bill (AB) 118, Statutes of 2007, Chapter 750), was a voluntary incentive program administered by CARB to fund clean vehicle and equipment projects, research on biofuels production and the air quality impacts of alternative fuels, and workforce training. The AQIP Guidelines and annual funding plans guided CARB's implementation of the AQIP.  

• Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Program
  • AQIP background, working group information and regulatory text (available by request)
  • Program administrator page with list of eligible vehicles / application forms
• Zero-Emission Vehicle and Plug-In Hybrid Light-Duty Vehicle Rebate Project
  • AQIP background, working group information and regulatory text (available by request)
  • Program administrator page with list of eligible vehicles / application forms (Clean Vehicle Rebate Project)

Carpool / HOV Lane Access

California law allows single-occupant use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOVs) lanes by certain qualifying clean alternative fuel vehicles. Use of these lanes with a single occupant requires a Clean Air Vehicle Sticker issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Historical Programs

Alternative Fuel Incentive Program (AFIP) 2007-2009

The Alternative Fuel Incentive Program (AFIP), established by Assembly Bill (AB) 1811, required CARB to develop a joint plan with the California Energy Commission to spend $25 million for the purposes of incentivizing the use and production of alternative fuels. This program has ended.

ZIP I, ZIP II and Fleet ZIP 2001-2004

The Zero Emission Vehicle Incentive Programs (ZIP I, ZIP II and Fleet ZIP) were administered by CARB in conjunction with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (California Energy Commission or CEC).

Lawn and Garden Equipment Replacement Project

The purpose of the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) Lawn and Garden Equipment Replacement (LGER) Project was to encourage further development and deployment of cordless zero-emission lawn and garden equipment. The availability of incentive funding helped bring a variety of residential and commercial cordless zero-emission equipment to the market.

Zero-Emission All-Terrain Agricultural Work Vehicle Rebate Project

The $1.1 million Zero-Emission Agricultural UTV Rebate Project accelerated the use of zero-emission work vehicles for use in California agricultural operations, by providing rebates for the purchase of new, eligible all terrain and utility vehicles on a first come, first serve basis.