SEA Electric and Hino Trucks: Accelerating the Future of Commercial Electric Vehicles
In March 2023, SEA Electric and Hino Trucks, announced the expansion of their existing business relationship, solidifying a partnership that will revolutionize the landscape of zero emission transportation in the United States.
The announcement follows in the footsteps of earlier supply agreements, in which Hino Trucks entrusted SEA Electric to supply class 5 trucks branded under the SEA Electric name, a testament to their trust in SEA’s innovation and expertise.
This latest development paves the way for SEA Electric’s proprietary SEA-Drive® power-system to be fitted in both the Hino Trucks’ M and L Series, marking a significant step forward in the adoption of electric vehicle technology in the commercial sector.
SEA Electric’s SEA-Drive® system is renowned for its efficiency, reliability, and eco-friendliness. With this partnership, Hino Trucks can now offer an all-electric solution for all markets impacted by the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) mandate.
The collaboration extends beyond vehicle integration, with staff, dealers and customers alike all embracing the expertise and offering from SEA Electric. Recently, SEA Electric was invited to attend the Hino Parts Convention in Las Vegas, where the Hino M5e powered by SEA-Drive® was prominently displayed on stage, showcasing the practicality and viability of all electric technology.
Moreover, SEA Electric was proud to partner with Hino Trucks at the Ignite Dealer Conference. The event featured presentations from SEA Electric’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mike Menyhart, and Vice President of Engineering, Joseph Greenley. These presentations highlighted the cutting-edge technology and innovation driving the collaboration between SEA Electric and Hino Trucks.
- Published in Articles, Driving The Change, Media Release, News, SEA-Drive
Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit Now Available in the USA
The USA continues to lead the way when it comes to incentivizing companies to make the switch to sustainable EV solutions, with the Manufacturers for Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit potentially offering significant savings on new SEA Electric vehicle purchases.
The offer is open to businesses and other tax-exempt organizations that buy a qualified commercial clean vehicle, of which SEA Electric is listed as a manufacturer, with the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit potentially valued up to $40,000 under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 45W.
The value of the credit equals the lesser of 30 per cent of your basis in the vehicle (due to SEA Electric’s all-electric power-system), or the incremental cost of the vehicle.
The maximum credit is $40,000 for all vehicles with a GVWR over 14,000 pounds, with this value stackable with most state-based incentives.
This particular credit is only applicable to SEA Electric VIN-plated vehicles model year 2023 and forward, with SEA Electric providing the IRS with VINs produced from Q2 2023, so that the applicable credits can be matched.
Importantly, at this time, there is no limit to the number of credits a purchaser can request, therefore making the program applicable for large fleet purchases.
For businesses, the credits are nonrefundable, so the buyer can’t receive more on the credit than is owed in taxes, while the trucks must be used for business and not resale, be primarily used within the United States, and not have been allowed another credit under sections 30D or 45W of the IRC.
It is worth noting that the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit is not a credit from SEA Electric, so it will not be reflected in the commercial invoice at the time of purchase, with the IRS currently in the process of creating the claim form for the credit type – prospective purchasers are advised to check out the IRS website for the latest details.
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/commercial-clean-vehicle-credit
For a thorough deep dive into a state-by-state breakdown of the possible financial incentives available in your area, SEA Electric has prepared the ‘Incentives & You: SEA Electric’s USA Guide’, which is available by clicking here.
https://www.sea-electric.com/incentives-you-sea-electrics-usa-guide/
- Published in Articles, Driving The Change, Media Release, News
Incentives & You: SEA Electric’s USA Guide
Worldwide, transport operators understand the need to switch to cleaner and greener solutions, such as those provided by SEA Electric.
A growing number of states across the USA now have in place goals for manufacturers and users to achieve, with target milestones set in policy to replace older, polluting fleets.
To help facilitate the switch, these states offer various financial incentives to help break down the barriers for individuals and company fleets to go green, with each state developing its own bespoke policies and conditions.
For instance, in some programs, the dealer applies for the incentives, while in others, the onus is on the purchaser to apply for the assistance, some have ICE scrapping conditions in place, others have fleet size regulations and an assortment of bonuses, which all vary from state-to-state.
Across the nation, multiple incentive programs have already been fully subscribed, meaning that there is strong value in applying for vouchers when they are launched – it’s worth checking on your local state’s offering, as programs are constantly evolving as funds become available.
While your local SEA Electric dealer will be familiar with the rules, regulations and processes in your jurisdiction – here is a quick overview of the offers which may currently be available to you.
Please consult with your local government body for the latest available package, as further states open up their own programs, while existing programs are continually refined and remember to exercise your own due diligence at all times.
California
HVIP – https://californiahvip.org/
California has been internationally recognized as a leader in the space, with the work of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) setting a benchmark many others have followed.
The program currently offers incentives of $60,000 for the SEA 5e (formerly SEA Hino M5) EV, and $85,000 for Class 6 vehicles, while bonuses exist for fleets with ten or fewer medium and heavy-duty vehicles, plus for the Disadvantaged Community (DAC). Bulk vehicle purchases are also available.
South Coast AQMD Voucher Incentives – http://www.aqmd.gov/home/programs/business/business-detail
This Voucher Incentive Program is now available for fleets with ten or fewer vehicles that are operated primarily in California, with a maximum value of $240,000 for zero-emission Class 5 and 6 replacement trucks based on the year and mileage of the truck being scrapped. Vehicles must be purchased via an approved AQMD dealer.
New Jersey
NJZIP – https://www.njeda.gov/njzip/
Another highly successful program that is currently oversubscribed, with new applications being placed on a waiting list.
Voucher amounts have been capped at 100%of the vehicle cost, with voucher amounts for the SEA 5e at $90,000 per vehicle, plus additional bonuses for small businesses and minority/women/veteran-owned businesses.
Massachusetts
MOR-EV Trucks – https://mor-ev.org/mor-ev-trucks
Rebates are available for a range of environmentally friendly transport solutions with a sale price above $50,000 and a GVWR of over 8,500 pounds.
The incentives are available in a range of blocks, with a value of up to $60,000, for the SEA 5e.
Colorado
Clean Fleet Vehicle & Technology Grant Program – https://cdphe.colorado.gov/clean-fleet-vehicle-technology-grant-program
For Class 5 and Class 6 trucks, the program offers incentives of 50 and 55 per cent respectively of the new vehicle cost, with further bonuses of up to $25,000 available for scrapping redundant ICE-powered trucks.
Colorado Electric School Bus Grant Program – https://cdphe.colorado.gov/electric-school-buses
With respect to Type C School Buses, approved buyers can receive up to 55 per cent of the total conversion cost to EV, with the program extending to high voltage training for fleet technicians.
Oregon
Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants – https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/programs/Pages/Diesel-Grants.aspx
A range of incentives are available to eligible fleets of trucks and school buses, valued at up to 75 per cent of the value for non-government-owned buses being repowered, model year 2009 and older, and 100 per cent of the value for government-owned buses.
New York
NY Truck Voucher Incentive Program – https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Truck-Voucher-Program
New York’s NTYVIP covers Class 5 and 6 trucks, with a voucher for the SEA 5e at up to $110,000, or 95 per cent of the incremental cost of purchase, while vouchers of up to $125,000, or 95 per cent of the incremental cost of purchase, are available for Class 6 trucks.
NYC Clean Trucks Program – https://www.nycctp.com/
Similar to the NY Truck Voucher Incentive Program, the NYCCTP also offers funding of up to $110,000 for Class 5 trucks, and $125,000 for Class 6 vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Charge Ready NY program has exhausted its current funding, which offset the cost of installing commercial transport recharging infrastructure.
Pennsylvania
Driving PA Forward – https://gis.dep.pa.gov/DrivingPAForward
This competitive grant program is seeking to assist in replacing or repowering fleets of six or more GVWR-Class 4-8 trucks and school buses, with the program prioritizing areas with high pollution levels, the total potential NOx reductions of the recipient, the size of the fleet, match contributions, cost-effectiveness, and the positive impact the program would have on the purchasing organization and the surrounding community.
EV Planning
Planning to make the switch to EV can be daunting, however, various states offer different levels of support, while additional expert advice is readily available.
Being pioneers in the EV field, SEA Electric has long-established partnerships in place with a market-leading band of ecosystem partners, who complete the picture when it comes to acquiring an EV fleet.
There are many things to consider, including:
– Configuring your vehicle – money can be saved by specifying your vehicle for your dedicated needs, including a route analysis for the intended use.
– Insurance for EV requirements.
– Electrical and infrastructure – is the power supply for your depot future-proofed for your ultimate EV fleet? Then there is charging infrastructure, other support systems such as solar panels and battery storage, or alternatively, securing the optimal power supply contracts for a given operation.
– Training – for drivers, service crews and fleet managers to get the most out of the EV vehicles.
– SEA-Connect Telematics suite – providing complete fleet feedback and information.
- Published in Articles, Driving The Change, Media Release, News