From $7 Diesel to Electric Deals: California’s New Truck Plan
California diesel prices have approached $7.50 per gallon, prompting state Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, D-Colton, to introduce SB1213. The bill aims to make zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks more affordable for drivers and fleets.
SB1213 would expand the state’s existing hybrid and zero-emission truck and bus voucher program. Under the proposal, vouchers could cover up to 90% of a truck’s total purchase cost. This addresses the high upfront prices of electric trucks compared to diesel models.
Senator Reyes stated, “The rise in the sticker price of these trucks indicates that more needs to be done to ensure our state’s incentives to transition to cleaner fleets are transparent and competitive.”
The legislation includes new transparency requirements for zero-emission vehicle incentives. Truck and bus manufacturers would need to disclose the suggested retail price for vehicles eligible for California’s zero-emission funding programs.
These changes come amid broader regulatory efforts by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation requires manufacturers to increase sales of zero-emission trucks and vans, starting in 2024. This shifts sales away from diesel models toward electric alternatives.
In July 2023, California outlined plans to mandate zero-emission operations for all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2045, where feasible. The goal is a transition from diesel-powered trucks across the state.
Trucking fleets and manufacturers have emphasized the role of vouchers in this shift. During a November workshop, industry representatives noted that current incentives are often exhausted on the day applications open. Chris Brown, head of government affairs at Harbinger Motors in Orange County, which builds electric delivery trucks, highlighted the need for competitive pricing.
“We need to make sure these trucks are at the same or a lower price than the diesel equivalent so when fleets open their accounts they easily justify the purchase of those trucks,” Brown said on January 15, 2026.
Port truckers face additional challenges. A recent change means they are no longer required to purchase green vehicles. Brown expressed concern on February 17, 2025, about competitors using cheaper diesel trucks gaining an edge.
“It makes me nervous — we invested in this infrastructure and these new trucks hoping that the waiver will pass,” he said, referring to an EPA waiver. With mandates lifted in this area, financial incentives become critical for encouraging adoption of zero-emission trucks.
Separate efforts support small trucking firms. Climate United, a group of environmental nonprofits focused on green investments, received $250 million from the Biden administration in August. The organization plans to use these funds for 500 electric trucks, which it will lease to small operators through Forum Mobility. Forum Mobility also provides charging infrastructure.
For professional drivers in California, these developments mean potential access to substantial vouchers that could offset much of the cost of electric trucks. High diesel prices add urgency, as operating costs for traditional trucks continue to rise.
The voucher program expansion and price transparency rules in SB1213 would help drivers compare electric options directly against diesel equivalents. This is particularly relevant as CARB’s ACT regulation ramps up zero-emission sales requirements from manufacturers starting next year.
Industry feedback underscores that quick access to incentives is key. Fleets report vouchers sell out immediately, limiting opportunities for independent drivers and smaller operations.
Harbinger Motors’ experience illustrates the stakes for early adopters. Investments in electric trucks and supporting infrastructure now depend heavily on state and federal support, especially without purchase mandates at ports.
Climate United’s leasing program targets small firms, offering a path to zero-emission trucks without large upfront capital. By bundling trucks with charging, it addresses practical barriers for drivers transitioning from diesel.
California’s long-term mandate for 2045 sets a clear timeline. Drivers operating medium- and heavy-duty trucks will need to prepare for a fleet-wide shift, where vouchers and incentives play a central role in managing costs.
SB1213 builds on these foundations by tackling price barriers head-on. For drivers facing $7-plus diesel, the promise of 90% vouchers could make electric trucks a viable alternative, supported by required price disclosures from manufacturers.