This article is based on a presentation by clean transportation funding expert Natalia Swalnick (TRC) at RelayCon 2025.
As part of Amazon’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon by 2040, we’re working to help carriers understand opportunities to transition to cleaner vehicles. While Relay doesn’t provide any funding, incentives, or programs for cleaner vehicles, we’re sharing insights from industry experts to support your journey.
Here’s what you need to know about accessing grants and incentives for your fleet.
Billions available for clean vehicle funding
While federal funding may fluctuate, significant state-level opportunities remain stable and accessible. For fleets ready to make the transition, the numbers tell an encouraging story:
- 145 active vehicle incentive programs
- 178 active infrastructure incentive programs
- Over $11 billion in total incentive funding
- Most programs range from $5-10 million in available incentives
- 98% of programs support battery-electric vehicles
- 34% of programs support natural gas vehicles
What drives the numbers
The more environmental benefits your application delivers, the more funding you may be eligible to receive. Here’s what that means for your fleet.
- Scrappage programs offer higher incentives because you’re removing older, higher-emission vehicles from the road.
- Voucher programs typically provide lower amounts since they’re focused on adding new clean vehicles rather than replacing existing, high-emitting vehicles.
Incentive amounts typically align with 1) the price difference between cleaner and conventional diesel vehicles, and 2) your vehicle’s size and class. Think of it this way: the bigger the price gap between your clean vehicle choice and its diesel equivalent, the more incentives you’re likely to receive to bridge that gap.
Where can I find the strongest clean vehicle funding opportunities?
California, New York, Colorado, New Jersey, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and Texas currently have more clean vehicle funding opportunities available. Most clean vehicle funding programs require vehicles to be registered and operated in the state providing the funding, so check your eligibility.
How to maximize savings
Incentives can offset the high upfront cost of cleaner vehicles. And because some grants can be stacked, smart strategy can significantly reduce your costs. The key to stacking funding programs is to look at the funding source and objective.
- Project type: Vehicle deployment, infrastructure
- Funding type: Grant, rebate/voucher, tax incentive
For example: California HVIP voucher ($120,000) + INVEST CLEAN grant ($200,000) = $320,000 toward a Class 8 battery-electric truck. This can bring a $500,000 vehicle down to $180,000 - much closer to a conventional diesel vehicle price.
Not all types of grants can be stacked together, so evaluate which combination of incentives provides the most value to your business. Keep in mind that their total value can’t cost more than the new vehicle. In other words, you can’t receive cash back from incentives beyond the vehicle’s purchase price. Some incentive programs require a cash match from a fleet.
Typical savings by vehicle type
Incentives are generally designed to offset the incremental cost rather than the total vehicle cost. Eligible costs vary by funding program, so always check the specifics. In many cases, programs will cover a percentage of the truck body, chassis, fuel system (if applicable), taxes, and fees. They’re less likely to cover insurance, maintenance, training, and fuel costs.
Based on typical grant funding, below are examples:
| Vehicle Type | Example Cost | Typical Incentive | Your Cost Share |
| Class 8 Electric Tractor | $500,000 | $150,000 | $350,000 |
| Class 6/7 Electric Straight Truck | $390,000 | $80,000 | $310,000 |
| Class 8 Natural Gas Truck | $250,000 | $30,000 | $220,000 |
Those fuel savings also add up. Electric vehicles can cut your fuel costs by approximately 60-75% compared to diesel. Cost savings are heavily dependent on current diesel costs, where the EV charges, etc.
| Annual Diesel Cost | Est. Electric Cost | 1-Year Savings | 8-Year Savings |
| $75,000 | $26,250 | $48,750 | $390,000 |
| $50,000 | $17,500 | $32,500 | $260,000 |
| $75,000 | $26,250 | $48,750 | $390,000 |
Planning the timeline for your clean vehicle
From application to delivery, the clean vehicle grant process requires patience. You’ll need to begin planning months before you need the vehicle. Here’s why.
- Identifying opportunities: 1 month
- Application process: 1-2 months.
- Evaluation period: 1-3 months. It typically takes at least 8 weeks to receive a response from a funding agency.
- Contracting: 1+ month
- Vehicle delivery: 6-36 months. This depends on the type of unit and the agreement between the fleet manager and dealer/automaker.
- Invoicing: 1 month
- Reporting: 1-7 years
Remember, you’ll want to get approval from the funding agency before you sign any purchase agreements or make any down payments. For most programs, any legal intent to purchase before your award is finalized can jeopardize your funding.
Most relevant funding programs for carriers
Each has different eligibility and geographic coverage that will determine if you can apply.
- EPA Clean Diesel (state-level grant): Up to 45% of new vehicle cost (eligible fuels: CNG, diesel, hybrid electric, battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, propane, hydrogen fuel cell). Scrappage required. No engine model year restrictions for zero-emission projects.
- Volkswagen (state-level grant): Up to 75% of new vehicle cost (eligible fuel type varies by state). Scrappage required. Existing vehicle must be engine model year 2009 or older (2010-2012 in CA).
- California Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project - HVIP (state-level voucher): Max $7,500 - $420,000 based on vehicle weight class and fuel type (electric or hydrogen). Scrappage is not required.
Join a future-forward company with Relay
While Relay doesn’t provide any funding, incentives, or programs for cleaner vehicles, Amazon is helping to create other growth opportunities for safe, reliable, and trustworthy carriers. Check if your business meets Relay’s carrier requirements, then start your Relay application on your desktop or in our app on iOS or Android. Learn more about available incentives for your fleet at TRC.
Disclaimer: Amazon does not tender loads through any third-party load boards. Any Amazon loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for Amazon, sign up and book directly on relay.amazon.com. For more about our efforts against fraud and cargo theft, see our trustworthy transportation page.
