C5 Fall 2016

FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER

Happy Fall C5 Members!

As we usher in the fall season, we would like to share some exciting news with you. This newsletter covers upcoming events, the new hydrogen station in Santa Barbara, electric buses, grant opportunities and incentives for alternative fuel vehicles.

Check out the full stories below!

What New ?

Hydrogen Station Open in Santa Barbara

The first hydrogen fueling station on the Central Coast opened in Santa Barbara on May 13th. The station is located at 150 S. La Cumbre Road. Dozens of supporters and 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles were present for the station opening.

The True Zero hydrogen station is co-funded by the California Energy Commission and is one of more than 40 that are expected to be online by the end of 2016. Like many of California's hydrogen stations, it is based at a local gasoline station, Conserv Fuel.

The station strengthens the state's growing hydrogen station network and increases the range of travel for drivers of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, which produce zero tailpipe emissions.

Hydrogen Readiness Plan

C5 along with stakeholders from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties are working on a Hydrogen Readiness Plan for the tri-county region. The plan will address infrastructure siting, permitting guidelines, safety, education and outreach for fuel cell vehicles. A draft copy of the Plan is available on C5's website at www.c-5.org.

Member Spotlight: Electric Buses

Electric Bus

Children are sensitive receptors and face elevated health risks from exposure to toxic air contaminants from diesel emissions. The new eLion all-electric school buses eliminate toxic exposures and offer a cost-effective solution to protect the health and safety of all California students, while substantially reducing GHG emissions and lowering costs for school districts throughout the state.

The eLion is available in two seating capacities: a 65/66 passenger model or a 71/72 passenger model. A wheelchair lift is also an option to accommodate handicapped passengers.

For more information, visit First Priority GreenFleet, Ltd., or contact Jon Van Bogart at 805-610-3671 or at jvb@firstpriorityglobal.net

Membership 2016/2017

We would like to thank all C5 members for their continued support. Your membership and dedication to C5 has been pivotal in our success and we look forward to your continued support.

In order to become a member or renew your current membership, please visit our website and download a copy of the membership form and follow the instructions on the form for submittal.

Grants and Incentives

Clean Vehicle Rebate Program

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) promotes clean vehicle adoption by offering rebates of up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles. For more information on this program visit the Clean Vehicle Rebate website.

Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project

The California Air Resources Board (ARB), in partnership with CALSTART, launched the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) in 2009 to accelerate the purchase of cleaner, more efficient trucks and buses in California. HVIP provides incentives for zero-emission and hybrid trucks and buses and low NOx natural gas engines. Visit ARBs website for more information on incentives.

California Energy Commission

In the 2016-17 CEC Investment Plan, $23 million is identified for Medium- and Heavy-duty Vehicle Technology Demonstration and Scale-Up, $2 million for regional AFV readiness planning and implementation, and $3 million for emerging opportunities. All of these funds will be awarded on a competitive basis. An additional $17 million is allocated to EV charging infrastructure. Visit CEC website for more information on the Investment Plan.

Fuel & Vehicle News

More DC Fast Charger Coming to the Central Coast

In 2015, the California Energy Commission (CEC) released a grant solicitation to install DC Fast Chargers along major corridors throughout California. Recargo was awarded $1.6 million to install DC fast chargers along Highway 101 between Buellton to San Jose. As part of that grant two DC fast chargers will be installed in San Luis Obispo County(Paso Robles and Atascadero) and two will be install in Santa Barbara county(Santa Maria and Buellton). Visit CEC website for awards in other regions.

Upcoming Events

Free Grant Workshop and Reception

Madonna Inn- Garden Room

San Luis Obispo

December 7, 2016

Grant Workshop 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Learn about state regulations and local grants to help fund trucks, buses, agricultural and construction equipment and zero emission vehicles.

Networking & Reception 5:00 -7:00 pm

Opportunity to network with local experts and equipment vendors. Hors d'oeuvres and cake provided!

Space is limited so please visit C-5's website to register.

C5 Stakeholder Meeting

Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District

550 Olive St. Santa Barbara

December 9, 2016

The agenda for the meeting will include: Grant funding and statewide incentives, CNG regulatory update, SBMTD electric bus update, and Tri-County Hydrogen Readiness Planning. The meeting is free and open to the public. A free box lunch will be provided.

Space is limited so please visit C-5's website to register.

Parking is not available at the SBMTD lots. Please make other parking arrangements.

Question? email mguise@co.slo.ca.us

Alternative Fuels on the Central Coast Update

Check out the new C5 Alternative Fuels video! The video highlights the efforts of the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition to make Alternatives Fuels more available to community members in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County.