Money available to convert gas-powered equipment to efficient, electric alternatives

Boulder County’s Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE), in collaboration with the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) and the City of Boulder, has launched a new grant program designed to help mobile businesses electrify their trucks and reduce emissions.

The Food Truck Electrification & Efficiency program combines RAQC’s Engines Off program and PACE’s Refrigeration and Restaurant Equipment Grant allowing food trucks and other mobile businesses to receive up to 80% of the cost of upgrading to electric battery systems and energy-efficient kitchen equipment. Funding is available now for businesses licensed to operate in Boulder County.

“Food trucks are an essential part of our community and culture,” said PACE Programming and Community Relations Specialist Norma King. “We’re excited to launch a program that helps the more than 180 mobile businesses in Boulder County thrive while reducing pollution.”

Traditional food truck generators emit significant carbon dioxide and noise. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a single gas-powered generator running for eight hours can emit the same amount of CO₂ as burning 83 pounds of coal.

“Together, we're building a future fueled by clean electricity,” said Susie Strife, Director of Sustainability for Boulder County. “By electrifying everything we currently run on gas or natural gas — even food trucks — we can create healthier communities, improve air quality, and reduce costs.”

The new grant program enables food trucks and other mobile businesses to replace their gas-powered generators with quiet, zero-emission battery power and solar systems, while also upgrading old, inefficient refrigerators, prep tables, and cooking equipment. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts.

Food Truck Electrification Rally: June 3

To showcase this new program, PACE is hosting a Food Truck Electrification Rally next month. This event will connect food truck owners to vendors, advisors, and other mobile business owners who have already made the switch to clean battery power.

Tuesday, June 3
2 - 4 p.m.
Latino Chamber of Commerce
1925 Pike Rd, Suite 202, Longmont, CO 80501

The event will include electrified food truck demos, advice from experts on food truck electrification, support from the RAQC and PACE teams, and free food and drinks. Vendors and small businesses interested in learning about electrifying their trucks are encouraged to attend. RSVP online.

For more information about the grant program and eligibility requirements, visit the PACE website or contact a PACE advisor at 303-786-7223 or [email protected].

About Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE)
Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) is Boulder County’s business sustainability program, offering expert advising and financial incentives to help local businesses save money and reduce their environmental impact. PACE is housed within the Boulder County Office of Sustainability, Climate Action, and Resilience and is funded by the Boulder County Sustainability Tax and the City of Boulder’s Climate Tax.

About the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC)
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) is Colorado’s lead air quality planning agency for the Denver metro/North Front Range region. RAQC works to improve air quality through collaborative planning, policy, and innovative programs such as Engines Off.

Keep Reading