Azure Hybrid Electric Drive Approved for Cali Incentive

The hybrid electric drive system used by Azure Dynamics for its trucks has been approved by the state of California to enter the California Hybrid Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP). As a result, fleet buyers can get up to $30,000 off the price of an Azure vehicle.

"We believe that the Balance Hybrid Electric's value proposition makes it a smart buy independent of government incentives," Scott Harrison, Azure CEO said in a release.

"But the incentives are a great added stimulus. Economic conditions in 2009 discouraged many fleet operators from acquiring and replacing vehicles. As a result, there is an emerging demand bubble for new vehicles and we expect the California incentives to help convert these prospects into buyers."

Called Balance, the system is already featured on several types of vans and trucks used across the US by fleet operators. Such an example is FedEx, which ordered last November 51 Azure Balance Hybrid Electric walk-in vans. The system comprises a conventional 5.4l Triton gasoline engine, paired with a 5-speed automatic TorqShift transmission, an electric-launch assist, engine-off at idle and regenerative braking.

Outside of California, customers can take advantage of incentive programs offered through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Combined with the operational benefits of the vehicles, Azure believes it has an unbeatable offer.

"It's two bites at the apple and makes our products extraordinarily attractive, especially versus conventionally equipped buses and trucks," Harrison added.