SoCalGas to award $1.5M in fuel cards to low emission heavy duty vehicles

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is awarding $1.5 million for fuel cards to help accelerate the transition to low- and zero-emissions vehicles in the heavy-duty transportation sector.

Now through Dec. 8, companies that purchase a qualifying vehicle can apply for a fuel card through SoCalGas’ Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Fuel Card Incentive Program. The $30,000 fuel card is designed to help support the transition to cleaner fuels in alignment with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) Scoping Plan. SoCalGas is awarding 50 fuel cards worth $30,000 each.

“As a company with approximately 5,000 light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as trailers and equipment, we understand the financial challenges that come with transitioning to a low- or zero-emissions fleet,” Jawaad Malik, chief strategy and sustainability officer at SoCalGas, said. “By implementing innovative incentives like these fuel cards, we can help provide commercial fleet owners with significant cost savings to encourage their transition to a cleaner fleet, which ultimately contributes to a healthier environment and a more sustainable and resilient economy for California.”

Under the state’s CARB LCFS program, SoCalGas receives credits for procuring low emissions fuels. The credits lower fuel prices at SoCalGas’ 16 public access stations that dispense renewable natural gas (RNG). The fuel card incentive program allows SoCalGas to give credits back to customers.

“We are excited that SoCalGas is offering this fuel card program that will provide significant savings for fleet operators,” Hal Meriwether, regional general manager for Rush Truck Centers in California, said. “As the nation’s leading supplier of natural gas vehicles and consulting services, we are committed to helping customers make the best decisions for their business. This initiative makes the adoption of low- and zero-emission trucks more financially attractive for California fleets.”

To participate in the incentive program, applicants must purchase a Class 8 Heavy-Duty natural gas truck on or after Sept. 9. Prioritization will be given to fleets with fewer than 10 vehicles. Selected applicants will receive a fuel card worth $30,000 that can be used at SoCalGas public access stations, while cards last.

“We appreciate the collaboration with SoCalGas and their commitment to supporting and growing the renewable natural gas market,” Mark Jamieson, business development director at Cummins Alternative Technologies, said. “We’re grateful this program will encourage heavy-duty and line haul fleets to experience renewable natural gas with the new Cummins X15N and the emission reductions that it can deliver.”

SoCalGas was among the first and largest natural gas distribution utilities in the United States to announce its aim to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2045.

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