Green Commercial Vehicle Program

Introduction

The Ontario government is developing a sustainable transportation system to fight climate change and reduce smog and harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Green Commercial Vehicle Program (GCVP), announced on August 8, 2007, and launched on November 28, 2008, supports Ontario's Go Green Action Plan for Climate Change by helping to reduce the impact of the transportation sector on the environment.

GCVP is a four-year, $15 million project that provides grants to support the purchase of:

• fuel-efficient, low greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting medium-duty alternative fuel commercial vehicles, such as hybrid electric, propane or natural gas; and,
• anti-idling technologies, such as accessory power units (APU), cab heaters and cab coolers, for heavy-duty vehicles.

GVCP grants offset the incremental cost of green vehicles and reduce their payback period. This initiative supports more widespread adoption of this environmentally and business friendly option.

As part of GCVP, the ministry will collect data to measure the effectiveness of alternative fuel vehicles and anti-idling devices at improving fuel efficiencies and reducing GHG emissions, supporting future policy decisions.

Expected benefits of GCVP are:

• reduced GHG emissions from the transportation sector;
• reduced operator costs by improving fuel-efficiency and their competitiveness;
• early adoption of environmentally-friendly commercial trucks;
• spurring investment in new technologies and manufacturing of environmentally-friendly vehicles in Ontario; and,
• increased consumer and commercial demand for environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Helping Ontario drivers and businesses go green is just one way the McGuinty government is moving forward on its Climate Change plan. Other initiatives include:

• The Metrolinx RTP ("The Big Move") is a 25-year public transit plan to which the Province has already committed $11.5 million;
• Municipal Eco Challenge Fund, a three-year, $220 million loan and grant pilot project to help municipalities reduce GHG emissions; and,
• Next Generation Jobs Fund, which will make $650 million available to develop clean cars, fuels and other technologies.

Eligibility requirements and program details are outlined in the GCVP Program Guide.

Ontario-based businesses and individuals that are interested in applying for GCVP funding to acquire class 3-7 medium-duty dedicated alternative fuel commercial vehicles should consult the Applicant Guide to the GCVP Dedicated Alternative Fuel Application while completing the GCVP Dedicated Alternative Fuel Vehicle Application form.

Ontario-based businesses and individuals that are interested in applying for GCVP funding to acquire anti-idling devices for class 8 heavy-duty vehicles should consult the Applicant Guide to the GCVP Anti-Idling Device Application while completing the GCVP Anti-Idling Device Application form.