Workhorse Group Inc., an American technology company focused on providing sustainable and cost-effective drone-integrated electric vehicles to the last-mile delivery sector, announced that its C-Series all-electric delivery trucks have received Executive Order:A-445-0003 from the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”), which is valid for production of a vehicle during the specified model year. With this certification, the C-Series trucks are designated as zero-emission vehicles in the state of California. Workhorse also becomes the first and only medium duty battery electric vehicle (“BEV”) original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) to receive approvals from both the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) as well as CARB.
An Executive Order from CARB is given to vehicle manufacturers who meet specific emissions standards in compliance with CARB regulations. Obtaining an Executive Order is also one of the preliminary requirements in order to be considered for the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (“HVIP”). Vehicles permitted into the HVIP program are eligible for monetary vouchers to reduce total cost for the purchaser.
Following the Company’s Certificate of Conformity (“CoC”) award from the EPA in March and its FMVSS Certification in June, the CARB Executive Order further builds on Workhorse’s leadership position in the EV last mile delivery industry. California as well as 13 other states have adopted vehicle standards under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act, which requires additional approvals beyond EPA regulations. Having received credentials from both regulatory bodies, Workhorse can sell its C-series electric delivery vans in every state throughout the U.S.
Company CEO Duane Hughes stated that,obtaining the Executive Order from CARB was another milestone achievement for Workhorse and for the electric vehicle industry at large. As the next step, they would also be continuing with their efforts to be considered for the HVIP program, which they expect would be a major growth stimulus as more voucher funds become available in the future. Going forward, the Executive Order would take on even more significance with CARB’s recent Advanced Clean Truck regulation, which would require manufacturers of commercial vehicles to start selling electric options in 2024 and move exclusively to electric trucks in California by 2045.
