The CleanBC Heavy-Duty Vehicle Efficiency (HDVE) Program, administered by the BC Trucking Association (BCTA) and funded by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, is playing a crucial role in the decarbonization of trucking in British Columbia. Since 2019, the HDVE Program has empowered carriers by providing rebates for fuel-saving technologies and management tools, slashing emissions and fuel costs along the way. With demand at an all-time high, the government-funded program urgently needs $3.5 million annually to amplify its impact in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The Best Value
When it comes to maximizing government investment for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the HDVE Program stands out as a powerhouse of efficiency. Between
2020 and 2022, British Columbia invested nearly $200 million in program spending for 36,847 light-duty vehicles, achieving a cumulative reduction of about 325,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂). In stark contrast, the HDVE Program delivered the same CO₂ reduction with under $10 million in funding—making it 20 times more cost-effective. That means for every dollar spent, the HDVE Program drives exponentially greater environmental impact, proving to be an impactful investment in the province’s climate action toolkit.1
With nearly 5,000 commercial vehicles in BC benefiting from the HDVE Program in 2024 alone, the Program is effectively bridging the gap between low and zero emissions. By raising its current funding caps (now limited to $15,000 per vehicle and $50,000 per fleet), carriers could adopt more fuel-reducing technologies like electric auxiliary power units, hydrogen fuel enhancements, and zero-emission refrigeration units. These innovations not only save carriers on fuel costs but also support their transition to a greener, more sustainable future as medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles become more widely available.
And the best part? The HDVE Program is delivering results now. At $30.77 per metric ton of CO₂ reduced, the Program is one of the most cost-effective tools in BC’s environmental arsenal. With a fuel savings return on investment of $18.49, the Program is a win for drivers, carriers, and taxpayers alike.2
More is Needed
The HDVE Program is proven, practical, and powerful—but it’s currently at a crossroads. The provincial government cut funding to the HDVE program by 75% in 2024. At a time when new technologies are emerging giving more reason for the program to expand, we see government stepping back.
BCTA urges the BC government to reinstate funding for the CleanBC HDVE Program to $3.5M per year so we can expand the program with additional rebates for new fuel reduction technologies. Investing in the HDVE Program means cleaner air, smarter spending, and a stronger trucking industry. With the right support, it can lead the charge in reducing emissions while keeping BC’s economy moving.
Let’s drive progress—together.
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The cost per tonne of CO₂ reduced for the light-duty vehicle program is approximately $615, while the HDVE Program’s cost is about $31 per tonne, demonstrating the HDVE Program’s 20-fold cost efficiency.
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For every $1 invested, participants save 113 litres of diesel, valued at $203.4 million in cumulative savings since 2019.
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