The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved funding of $8.554 million to help bring natural-gas- and propane-powered shuttle buses, cars and trucks to California's roadways. The awards are funded by the CEC's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program.

"Individual consumers, as well as public and private fleet operators, can benefit from this funding, which could put as many as 357 new natural-gas-powered vehicles and 110 propane-powered vehicles into service in California," says Energy Commissioner Carla Peterman.

To make its buy-down program as efficient and simple as possible, the CEC says its incentive reservations are awarded in blocks to vehicle manufacturers or their designated dealers. The incentives are then passed on to the individual buyers at the point of sale.

For more information and a list of companies that received incentives, click here.