The HVIP program was created by the California Air Resources Board to speed the early market introduction of clean, low-carbon hybrid and electric vehicles and is administered and implemented through a partnership with CALSTART.

CALSTART is a member-supported organization of more than 140 firms, fleets and agencies worldwide dedicated to supporting a growing high-tech, clean transportation industry that cleans the air, creates jobs, cuts imported oil and reduces global warming emissions.

The base HVIP voucher amount is $95,000 per bus. Additional rebate incentives are available for bus fleets operating in disadvantaged communities ($15,000), purchase of rapid chargers ($20,000), extended warranties ($2,000) and an additional $10,000 per bus applied to the first three purchases of electric buses.

With more than 5,000 Xcelsior buses delivered or on order, New Flyer has demonstrated industry leading design and reliability that provides passengers and drivers with safe, quiet and dependable public transportation. New Flyer is the only transit bus manufacturer in North America today that can offer propulsion systems ranging from: clean diesel, hybrid-electric, electric-trolley, natural gas, fuel-cell and now battery-electric all on the same bus platform.

The Xcelsior XE35 and XE40 battery-electric buses feature:

• A New Flyer integrated energy storage system ranging from an approximate 100 to 300 kWh of on-board power.

• A Siemens electric drive system.

• The ability to receive a partial recharge using a regenerative braking system, which is ideally suited for the typical start-and-stop duty cycle of a transit bus.

• Proven electric subsystems and accessories currently available on the Xcelsior® hybrids.

• Depot charging capability and en-route rapid charging capability.

• With the absence of a traditional engine, customers will notice a significantly quieter ride.

• Zero-Emissions, and a savings of approximately 100 to 160 tons of greenhouse gas per year

To ensure consistent and dependable support of industry-leading transit buses in California, New Flyer operates an aftermarket parts facility in Fresno, Calif. and a completion and service facility in Ontario, Calif.