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Upgrade your diesel fleet. Cut Emissions. Save on new electric vehicles.

Attention fleet operators: Cut down on emissions and costs with the DC DRIVE (Diesel Reduction Incentives for Vehicle Electrification) program. This new program in partnership with the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) will help fleets replace Class 4–8 diesel vehicles and diesel-powered transport refrigeration units (TRUs) with similarly classified zero-emission alternatives.

Eligible replacement technologies include medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) as well as electric zero-emission TRUs. Eligible applicants may receive incentives toward the purchase of a new ZEV or electric TRU when qualifying diesel equipment is permanently decommissioned and scrapped according to program requirements.

Funding is limited and available while funds remain.

A white all-electric freight truck parked and charging at an EV charging station.

Not sure whether your fleet qualifies?

The DC DRIVE team can help determine whether your existing vehicles, planned replacements, and operating patterns meet the program's requirements. Fleet managers and operators are encouraged to book time with the program team before purchasing or scrapping a vehicle.

Contact an expert

Eligibility

To qualify for DC DRIVE incentives, both the outgoing diesel vehicle or TRU and the proposed replacement must meet program requirements.

Outgoing diesel-powered vehicle/TRU requirements

The diesel vehicle or equipment must:

  • Be registered in the District or more than 60% operated in the District
  • Be operational and owned or operated by the applicant
  • Meet the applicable gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) requirement for its vehicle class
  • Have an engine model year (EMY) no earlier than 1992
  • Have at least 3 years of remaining life

Eligible equipment may include Class 4-8 diesel vehicles, diesel-powered TRUs, and TRU generator sets.

Replacement vehicle requirements

The replacement must be:

  • New
  • Similarly classified to the outgoing vehicle
  • Zero-emission
  • Purchased rather than leased
  • A qualifying medium- or heavy-duty ZEV or electric TRU (eTRU)
A fleet manager standing in front of a blue freight truck with a tablet reviewing information.

Incentive Info

Base incentive

Eligible applicants may receive up to 45% of the purchase price of a new qualifying ZEV or electric TRU when:

  • The outgoing equipment is diesel-powered and meets program requirements
  • The replacement equipment is eligible and similarly classified
  • The outgoing equipment is permanently decommissioned and scrapped
  • All required documentation is submitted

Additional funding

Additional funding may be available for qualifying diesel vehicles with engine model years of 2009 or older. Availability and amount depend on equipment type, funding source, vehicle class, and other program requirements.

Two heavy-duty tractor trailer trucks parked and charging at the same EV charging station.

Need financing to close the gap?

The DC Green Bank accepts transaction proposals that support clean transportation. Contact the team to discuss financing options for your project.

Learn more

Program Process

Step 1: Contact the DC DRIVE team

Discuss your fleet, replacement plans, timing, and potential eligibility.

Step 2: Submit an intake form

The intake form will collect organization details, information about existing equipment, proposed replacements, anticipated purchase dates, and a preliminary scrappage plan. The form will be available as soon as the application opens.

Step 3: Complete eligibility review

The program team will verify ownership, operation, vehicle details, usage, documentation, and funding eligibility.

Step 4: Receive conditional approval

If your project appears eligible, you may receive conditional approval through an incentive agreement. The agreement will include the required documentation and a deadline, generally 90 days, subject to the program rules and timing of available funding.

Step 5: Purchase and retire equipment

Purchase the qualifying ZEV or TRU and permanently decommission and scrap the eligible diesel vehicle or TRU according to EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) requirements.

Step 6: Submit the final documents

Submit invoices, ownership or registration documents, photographs, certifications, and scrappage records.

Step 7: Receive payment

After final approval, the program team will issue the incentive payment according to program procedures.