Montgomery recently received state funding to launch its Food Truck Electrification Pilot program.
Montgomery County recently received a $150,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) for its Food Truck Electrification Pilot program, the first program of its kind in the region. The Food Truck Electrification Pilot program aims to install diesel-powered food truck generators with electric power systems, significantly reducing carbon emissions and improving public health.
The MEA grant award will enable the Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot to provide direct subsidies to food truck operators to offset the cost of electric generator systems that range in cost from $10,000 to $25,000.
Food truck operators may submit a form to express interest and receive more information about converting food truck generators to electric. Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will communicate more details and begin accepting information later this year.
The electric generator systems are projected to earn back their cost within two years through fuel savings. In collaboration with the Montgomery County Green Bank, the Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot will offer a cash rebate plus 0 percent interest loans for the cost of equipment and installation, enabling operators to switch to electric generators and avoid upfront costs.
Data show that a typical fossil fuel-powered food truck generator produces more than four times as much carbon dioxide (CO2) each year as a passenger vehicle. This pilot program is expected to cut carbon pollution by 515 tons annually over the lifetime of the battery generators and jump-start demand from more food truck businesses in the future. The grant will enable the County to provide funding assistance to up to 25 food trucks out of 185 licensed food businesses.
By showcasing the benefits of electric power for food trucks, Montgomery County aims to inspire broader adoption of green technologies and set a precedent for future sustainability initiatives in the county and beyond.
Check out the Maryland Energy Administration’s Open Energy Grant Program.