Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grants

Background
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible entities to incentivize and accelerate the replacement of existing non-ZE Class 6 and 7 heavy-duty vehicles with ZE vehicles. The goal is to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, especially in nonattainment areas and areas with environmental justice concerns, by encouraging the sustainable deployment of ZE heavy-duty vehicles. The replacement vehicles will ensure cleaner air for communities and help address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis.

Grant Details
The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles (CHDV) Grants NOFO includes two sub-programs: the School Bus Sub-Program and the Vocational Vehicles Sub-Program. The EPA anticipates awarding up to $932 million in funds under this NOFO. The program aims to prioritize funding for projects that serve disadvantaged communities through prioritizing certain counties, climate resilience, project sustainability, and workforce development activities.

Eligible activities include:
- The replacement of existing ICE school buses and other Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles with ZE school buses and heavy-duty vehicles
- Purchasing, installing, operating, and maintaining infrastructure needed to charge, fuel, or maintain ZE vehicles
- Workforce development and training to support the maintenance, charging, fueling, and operation of ZE vehicles.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include States, municipalities, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit school transportation associations. For-profit organizations are not eligible entities for this funding opportunity. Additionally, nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The estimated project period for awards resulting from this solicitation will be up to 24 months; however, initial project periods of up to 36 months will be allowed where justified by the activities. The estimated project start date for awards is January 2025.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding expected to be available for awards under this competitive opportunity is up to $932 million. Funding is dependent upon the number of meritorious applications received and other applicable considerations described in this document.

Place of Performance
The grant will benefit communities across the United States (U.S.), especially communities that are disproportionately burdened by air pollution and marginalized by underinvestment.