Monday, January 4, 2010

Major New Federal Incentives for Fleet Vehicles Likely

A bill in the Senate (S.2854) will increase potential tax incentives for medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles to $15,000-$100,000 for new hybrid technology purchases. This is great news for fleets and gives truck manufacturers great incentive to license HHS’s technology.

This bill has not yet passed and we need your help getting it modified to include hydraulic hybrids in addition to electric hybrids, as well as retrofits in addition to new vehicles.

If you would like a fact sheet to send to your State representative or anyone who may be able to help get the wording changed in the bill please email Bonnie.

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Reasons to include Hydraulic Hybrids in State and Federal Incentives

-- Hydraulic hybrids offer the same or better benefits as electric hybrids
- Significant reduction in fuel use (40 to 80% savings in stop-and-go situations)
- Significant reduction in carbon emissions (up to 50% reductions in most environments)

-- There is no battery to dispose of at the end of its cycle life

-- Hydraulic hybrids can be certified by the EPA in the same way as electric hybrids

-- Hydraulic hybrids are safer than electric hybrids
- No specialized hazard training is necessary to work on hydraulics
- Hydraulic components are not likely to explode or catch fire

-- Hydraulic hybrid components are readily available unlike electric hybrids which are constrained by supply availability

-- Hydraulic hybrid components and systems are generally made in the U.S. unlike electric hybrids that are generally built with imported batteries that comprise the majority of the cost


Reasons to include Retrofits in State and Federal Incentives

-- Retrofits extend the life and increase the value of an existing vehicle

-- Hydraulic hybrid retrofits offer the same or better benefits as new hybrid vehicles
- Significant reduction in fuel use (40 to 80% savings in stop-and-go situations)
- Significant reduction in carbon emissions (up to 50% reductions in most environments)

-- Retrofits can be certified by the EPA in the same way as new hybrid vehicles

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