Janus Secures Up to US$90,000 HVIP Vouchers for Class-8 Truck Conversions
Janus Electric has secured full California Air Resources Board approval for its JCM 540 battery-electric truck conversion system, enabling fleet operators to access up to US$90,000 in government vouchers per vehicle. This milestone accelerates Janus’ entry into the lucrative California zero-emission freight market.
- CARB grants HVIP eligibility for Janus JCM 540 conversion kit
- Up to US$90,000 vouchers available per converted Class-8 truck
- Conversion system targets heavy freight trucks over 33,000 lbs GVWR
- Janus’ swappable battery technology supports rapid zero-emission conversions
- Approval strengthens Janus’ U.S. export and commercial deployment strategy
A Game-Changer for Zero-Emission Freight in California
Janus Electric Holdings Limited has achieved a significant breakthrough with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) granting full approval for its JCM 540 Battery-Electric Conversion System under the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). This endorsement not only validates Janus’ innovative approach to electrifying heavy freight trucks but also unlocks substantial government incentives for fleet operators converting diesel trucks to battery-electric vehicles.
Specifically, qualifying operators in California can now access vouchers worth up to US$90,000 per converted Class-8 truck, easing the upfront capital expenditure associated with transitioning to zero-emission transport. This financial support is critical in a market where cost barriers have historically slowed the adoption of electric heavy vehicles.
Innovative Technology Meets Market Demand
The JCM 540 system integrates Janus’ patented swappable battery architecture with an electric drivetrain conversion module designed for the rigours of heavy freight operations. Unlike traditional electric trucks that require lengthy charging times, Janus’ battery swap technology enables rapid battery exchanges, minimising downtime and maximising fleet utilisation.
Targeted at Class-8 trucks exceeding 33,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, the system is tailored for high-volume freight corridors such as the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as the Inland Empire logistics hubs. These regions represent some of the most active and pollution-intensive freight markets in the United States, making Janus’ zero-emission solution particularly timely.
Strategic Implications for Janus’ U.S. Expansion
California’s zero-emission truck market is the largest globally, driven by stringent environmental mandates and aggressive incentive programs like HVIP. By securing eligibility within this framework, Janus positions itself at the forefront of the transition to cleaner freight transport in the U.S.
Janus has already exported its first batch of conversion kits to the U.S., with truck trials slated to begin by mid-2026. This approval is expected to accelerate commercial sales and customer adoption, providing a clear pathway for Janus to scale its operations and deepen its footprint in the American market.
Management Perspective
Lex Forsyth, Janus Electric’s Founder and COO, emphasised the milestone’s significance, “CARB’s HVIP eligibility unlocks direct access to California’s incentive market, allowing freight operators to economically convert existing diesel trucks into full battery-electric vehicles using our swappable battery platform. This significantly accelerates commercial deployment and strengthens our U.S. export strategy.”
With this regulatory green light, Janus is well placed to capitalise on growing demand for zero-emission freight solutions, aligning with global trends towards sustainability and decarbonisation.
Bottom Line?
Janus’ CARB approval sets the stage for rapid U.S. market penetration, but the success of upcoming trials will be critical to converting incentives into sales.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will California fleets adopt Janus’ conversion kits following HVIP eligibility?
- What competitive responses might Janus face from other zero-emission truck conversion providers?
- How will Janus scale production and support to meet anticipated U.S. demand?