Phase Out Timeline in the Zero Emission Forklift Regulation

CARB Adopts Zero Emission Forklift Regulation

by Ryan Huggins

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has unanimously adopted the Zero Emission Forklift Regulation, following extensive public comment and questions from CARB Board members. This landmark regulation aims to improve public health and air quality by transitioning approximately 90,000 forklifts from gasoline or propane to zero-emission alternatives, such as electric, by 2038.

The regulation mandates that large-spark ignition forklifts be phased out by 2038, with the transition timeline illustrated below:

Forklift MY Phase-out Timeline

Key points of the regulation include:

  • Forklift Exceptions: Certain forklifts are exempt, including those with low usage, over 12,000 lbs capacity, and diesel-powered units.
  • Reporting Requirements: All entities must begin reporting compliance starting in 2026.
  • Phase-Out Caps: There are percentage caps on the annual phase-out requirements.
  • Rental Fleet Impacts: The regulation affects rental fleets, particularly the phasing out of seasonal propane rentals.
  • New Sales: The sale of new propane forklifts will be phased out, starting in 2026.
  • Utility Delays: Documentation is required for any delays in providing electrical service upgrades.

Based on discussions with leading forklift dealers, PineSpire notes that the regulation will impact the supply of large-spark ignition forklifts being moved out of California and increase the demand for electric lifts within the state. This ruling is expected to have nationwide significance.

For more information and a detailed phase-out requirement schedule, please contact PineSpire.

Last chance to apply for electric forklift funding under Goods Movement Program.

Goods Movement Program funds available for Electric Forklifts

by pinespire
Bay Area Goods Movement Program

The Bay Area Goods Movement Program has $20 million available in grant funding to replace diesel equipment with electric fueled equipment. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity for your equipment to be Zero-Emission Compliant before it is mandatory! The deadline to submit your application is Thursday, March 31st.

Eligible Applications include:

  • Entities located in the BAAQMD (see below)
  • Entities whose products or business are involved in Good Movement (manufacturing, warehousing, logistics)
  • Replacement of Diesel cargo-handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, and rail-yard equipment

The Goods Movement Program was created to reduce diesel emissions and health risk from freight movement along California trade corridors as quickly as possible. The program is a partnership between CARB (the California Air Resources Board) and the BAAQMD (Bay Area Air Quality Management District) which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, western portion of Solano, southern portion of Sonoma counties.

The program can be used to convert to electric forklifts, transport refrigeration units, rubber-tired gantry cranes, and other equipment. In addition to funding the equipment, the program can cover costs for associated new charging infrastructure.

When you decide to covert to an electric fleet now, you have the opportunity to receive grant funding, as well as become eligible to enroll in the LCFS (low carbon fuel standard) program. The LCFS program allows you to generate revenue each time you charge your electric equipment.

Additionally, electric equipment helps your operations stay in compliance with current and future regulations (like the proposed Zero Emission Forklift rule). Your bottom line will also benefit right away in reduced fuel costs and reduced maintenance costs.

To find out if your equipment is eligible for the Goods Movement Program, visit the Good Movement Program’s application page. Reach out to PineSpire to talk about your fleet strategy and making the most of these funding opportunities: contact@pinespire.com.

Come to the electric side!

The Latest On CARB’s Zero Emission Forklift Requirements

by Ryan Huggins

You know about California’s policies to phase out gasoline powered cars and trucks, but did you know forklifts are also included in this plan?  As part of Executive Order N-79-20 to transition California to zero emission vehicles, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is tasked with creating rules to transition all California forklifts to Zero Emission Forklifts. 

While we know regulations are no one’s favorite topic, we want to be sure our partners aren’t caught off-guard when the new rules come into place.  And more importantly that our partners are getting the LCFS revenue that comes with converting more of your fleet to Zero-Emission (i.e. Electric) Forklifts.

To help you stay current, PineSpire has boiled down the most recent updates from CARB’s August 17th webinar on the draft Zero-Emission Forklift rule.

What counts as Zero-Emission: 

This regulation is targeting zero tailpipe emissions, which in practical terms requires using an electric forklift powered by a battery or a fuel-cell.

The Regulation is phasing out Internal Combustion (IC) forklifts that run off of diesel, gasoline or propane

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Monetize Your EV Fleet: Learn How

by Ryan Huggins

Monetizing Your EV Fleet with LCFS Credits! 15 Minute Webinar Presentation

PineSpire presented at this March, 2021 virtual meeting of the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization

View The Video!

After watching this video available on our RESOURCES page, if you would like us to conduct a workshop, speak at an association event, or present at a board or senior leadership venue, we would be happy to discuss your needs and create a customized presentation for you.

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