California HVIP ISEF Reopens on October 21st With $30.5M in Available Incentives, Harbinger Eligible
The Innovative Small E-Fleet (ISEF) Set-Aside within California’s Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) will reopen on October 21, 2025, with $30.5 million in new incentives to help small fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles.
ISEF supports fleets with 20 or fewer vehicles and less than $15 million in annual revenue, offering flexible funding options for rentals, leases, truck-sharing, and truck-as-a-service agreements. These incentives are designed to make it easier for small operators to adopt clean technology and reduce emissions.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released Appendix F of the FY 2024–25 Implementation Manual, detailing updates effective September 22, 2025. The new guidelines include higher voucher amounts for small businesses, new “Purchase Plus” options that allow vehicle purchases to be paired with pre-approved additional services, and new requirements for fleets that use residential addresses to provide a commercial use letter. Fleets can now request up to five ISEF innovative vouchers per cycle, while Purchase Plus vouchers are limited to five total per fleet. All participating fleets must be registered with the California Secretary of State for at least one year prior to applying, although limited exceptions may be granted.
To prepare for reopening, small fleets can work with providers listed in the ISEF Provider Directory to access vouchers for leases or service-based zero-emission vehicle use. Providers should coordinate with HVIP-eligible dealers or apply for eligibility by contacting isef@californiahvip.org.
CARB will host a free ISEF Reopening Webinar on Wednesday, October 9, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM PST to help participants understand the program changes and how to apply.
For additional support, fleets can contact the Cal Fleet Advisor for free technical and financial planning assistance or reach out to the ISEF Team at isef@californiahvip.org.
ISEF continues to play a vital role in California’s clean transportation strategy, helping small fleets overcome the challenges of high upfront costs and limited charging infrastructure while accelerating the state’s transition to zero-emission freight.
Harbinger Electric Trucks are Eligible
Harbinger electric trucks qualify for the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Harbinger Motors is an approved HVIP manufacturer, and its medium-duty electric trucks appear on the program’s list of eligible vehicles.
Eligible Harbinger vehicles: The HBG-04, HBG-05, and HBG-06 battery-electric trucks are listed in the HVIP vehicle catalog.
Incentive amounts: According to Harbinger’s advertising, fleets can receive significant HVIP incentives, with some vouchers worth up to $160,000. The total voucher amount depends on factors such as the vehicle’s weight class and fleet size.
How to access funds: Interested buyers must work with a participating HVIP-approved dealer. The dealer applies for the voucher, and the incentive amount is deducted from the vehicle’s purchase price.
Funding availability: HVIP funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. The HVIP website provides up-to-date information on funding status.
About HVIP: Accelerating California’s Transition to Zero-Emission Transportation
The Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) is one of California’s most important clean transportation programs, designed to make it easier and more affordable for fleets to adopt zero-emission and low-emission vehicles. Administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and implemented by CALSTART, HVIP provides point-of-sale vouchers that reduce the upfront cost of purchasing or leasing clean trucks and buses.
Since its launch in 2009, HVIP has become a cornerstone of California’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and advance environmental justice. The program supports the transition away from diesel and gasoline vehicles by offering financial incentives for battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid vehicles across commercial and public fleets.
HVIP’s funding helps accelerate fleet electrification by targeting vehicles that have the greatest environmental impact—such as delivery trucks, transit buses, drayage trucks, and school buses. Through a streamlined voucher process, eligible fleets receive discounts directly at the time of purchase through participating dealers, eliminating long reimbursement delays.
In addition to its main program, HVIP includes several specialized funding set-asides, such as the Innovative Small E-Fleet (ISEF) program for small businesses, the Public Transit Set-Aside, and targeted support for disadvantaged and low-income communities.
By 2025, HVIP has helped deploy over 13,000 zero-emission vehicles across California, preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions and helping to build the state’s clean-vehicle economy. With continued investment and updates to better serve small fleets, HVIP remains a key driver of California’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) goals and a model for clean fleet incentive programs nationwide.
