A Review of the Ontario Green Commercial Vehicle Program Pilot (2008-2010)

This report offers a review of the Ontario Green Commercial Vehicle Program (GCVP) pilot that ran from 2008-2010 and assesses whether firms can save money by investing in these environmentally friendly green technologies (anti-idling devices and alternative fuel vehicles). Results suggest that this is indeed the case. For three of the five primary technologies evaluated, the payback period for investments with GCVP support was less than three years. The report also ascertains whether there was a business case for both: (a) firms purchasing green vehicles/technologies, and (b) government providing grants to assist in their purchase. Results suggest that, even without government grants, investments in these primary vehicle technologies make sense from a financial perspective. When environmental benefits are added to the equation the decision to invest becomes more compelling.