MCI Gains Approval for Calif. HVIP Voucher Program

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) battery-electric D45 CRTe, D45 CRTe LE, and J4500e coaches received approval by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), with vouchers covering up to $150,000 for each coach sold in the state.

The HVIP program was launched in partnership between CARB and CALSTART to offer discounts on clean, low-carbon hybrid and electric vehicles. From the program’s inception in 2009, over 7,000 vouchers have been funded to deploy more than 4,000 vehicles and low NOx engines.

The approval of the three MCI models adds to the existing NFI zero-emission heavy-duty transit buses eligible for vouchers, including New Flyer’s 35-, 40-, and 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE battery-electric and 40- and 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE H2 fuel-cell electric buses. Vouchers for New Flyer’s heavy-duty transit buses range from $120,000 to $300,000 per bus, depending on the model.

“Building on decades of New Flyer’s electric bus design, engineering, supply chain and manufacturing expertise, both the MCI J4500e and all-accessible MCI D45 CRTe LE battery-electric coach models can offer sustainable transportation, eliminating emissions while delivering high-capacity commuter transit through and between urban destinations,” said Chris Stoddart, president of New Flyer and MCI.

MCI electric coaches are powered by XALT batteries and integrate the design, performance, and technology of New Flyer’s zero-emission transit buses, while leveraging New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions to deliver smart charging that supports successful electric coach deployment.