IRS offers rebates to heavy-duty hybrid buyers
WASHINGTON -- American truck buyers who purchase certain medium and heavy-duty hybrids and trucks running on alternative fuel can claim a credit of up $32,000, the IRS announced. Qualified Alternative Fuel Motor Vehicles (QAFMV) are powered solely by alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen and any liquid at least 85 percent of the volume of which consists of methanol. Vehicles powered by a combination of an alternative fuel and a petroleum-based fuel may qualify for a reduced credit. Purchases of new vehicles with special equipment, as well as ones converted for alternative power, may qualify. A credit also is available for certain new qualified heavy hybrid vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 8,500 pounds. A qualifying heavy hybrid motor vehicle draws propulsion energy from onboard sources of stored energy which are both an internal combustion or heat engine using consumable fuel, and a rechargeable energy storage system. Various Freightliner and International trucks, spec'd with Eaton Hybrid Electric System qualify for a rebate between $6,000 and $12,000. Cummins Westport ISL G CNG engines installed on various new medium-duty vehicles qualify for a $20,000 credit, while heavy-duty trucks with the natural gas engine qualify for up to $32,000.