This funding helps replace in-use, non-zero-emission (non-ZE) heavy-duty vehicles with new ZE vehicles. The objective of the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles (CHDV) Grants program 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. Vehicle replacements funded under this program will result in cleaner air and improved health for the communities in which they operate, the children and other passengers on the vehicles, and the drivers and maintenance staff who work closely on these vehicles.

The CHDV Program intends to encourage applications by educating prospective applicants and stakeholders about the CHDV Program and the benefits of ZE vehicles. The CHDV Program will support underserved populations through meaningful and intentional outreach to increase the number of prospective applicants who would most benefit from reduced emissions through the replacement of eligible vehicles in their communities.

There are two separate sub-programs under which applicants may apply to this funding opportunity:

• School Bus Sub-Program: for applicants replacing Class 6-7 school buses.
• Vocational Vehicles Sub-Program: for applicants replacing non-school bus Class 6 and Class 7 vehicle types.

These two sub-programs will allow the EPA to meet the diverse needs of potential applicants. Applicants may only submit one School Bus Sub-Program application in total. Similarly, applicants may only submit one Vocational Vehicles Sub-Program application in total. Tribal and territory applicants are not subject to vehicle minimums.

Eligible Activities Eligible activities under these sub-programs 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; and
• Workforce development and training to support the maintenance, charging, fueling, and operation of ZE vehicles.

Applicants must propose to replace eligible vehicles with comparable, eligible ZE vehicles. Existing vehicles must be disposed of (i.e., scrapped, sold, or donated) according to program guidelines. Applicants may own the vehicles to be replaced, or applicants may work with fleet owners to carry out the project.