Firstgreen Customers Capture $11.4M in CORE Incentives for Electric Machines
Firstgreen Industries has turned incentives into serious savings. The company recently announced it has helped its U.S. customers secure $11.4 million through the Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) program, funding 76 zero-emissions machines. It’s a success story that highlights how state-backed programs can accelerate adoption of electric off-highway equipment while softening the price tag for contractors.
What Is CORE?
The Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project, better known as CORE, was launched by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with CALSTART as the project administrator. The program provides point-of-sale vouchers that lower the cost of zero-emissions off-road equipment in sectors such as construction, agriculture, logistics and ports. Unlike some programs, CORE doesn’t require trade-ins or scrappage. The voucher is applied directly at the time of purchase, reducing the upfront cost by as much as $150,000 per machine. Funding can also extend to supporting infrastructure like charging equipment.
We recently covered the news that CORE applications are open again and reminded readers that CALSTART is hosting its Zero-Emissions Showcase + Ride & Drive in Oakland this November (see image above). The timing makes Firstgreen’s $11.4M milestone all the more relevant.
How Firstgreen Helps Customers
Applying for CORE can feel daunting, but Firstgreen simplifies the process. The company works with customers from the start, identifying eligible equipment, connecting buyers with approved dealers and guiding them through paperwork until the application is approved. That approach has paid off. Securing 76 funded machines means millions in avoided costs for contractors and rental houses. It also demonstrates that CORE dollars can be captured quickly with the right OEM partnership, and that there is a lot of money at stake here. Click here to learn more about the application process.
Firstgreen’s All-Electric Lineup
Firstgreen doesn’t have a diesel legacy. Its machines are designed from the ground up to be electric, which gives them an edge in performance and versatility. The lineup includes:
- Elise skid steers with traditional cabs and lift capacities up to 2,600 lbs
- CBL cabinless units for remote-controlled operation
- Rockeat models designed for low-profile work in mining or tight spaces
- MiniZ stand-on track loaders that fit through 32-in. doorways with nearly 900 lbs of lift
Battery options range from lithium packs with long runtimes to lead-acid systems that can be hot-swapped. All machines come standard with remote control, making them useful in places where operators can’t or shouldn’t be in the cab. We recently produced a Machine Heads video that digs into these details, from runtime to hydraulics to attachment use. It’s a great place to see the machines in action. The video is also embedded above.
Electric Is Here
Electric equipment is no longer a novelty. Between improving technology and the financial support of incentive programs, total cost of ownership is increasingly competitive with diesel. Firstgreen’s $11.4M milestone proves customers are taking advantage of the opportunity. For contractors in California, the lesson is clear: CORE funds are available, but they move fast. With Firstgreen’s help, operators can cut costs, modernize their fleets and meet new sustainability requirements before the incentives disappear.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.
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