In May, South Coast AQMD’s Governing Board members approved the use of nearly $10 million in grant funding to replace the three diesel-powered Balboa Island Ferries with battery-electric vessels and install supporting charging infrastructure.

The electrification of the Balboa Island ferries will demonstrate the feasibility of battery electric ferry powertrains and encourage the adoption of zero-emission (ZE) propulsion in the marine sector. Upon project completion, Balboa Island Ferry will become California’s first 100 percent ZE ferry fleet. This project will reduce emissions of NOx, particulate matter, and reactive organic gas emissions that contribute to poor air quality.

Balboa Island Ferry will monitor and collect operational data during the 12-month demonstration period, and South Coast AQMD will ensure compliance with grant requirements. State regulations require all short-run ferries to convert to ZE propulsion by December 2025.

The project is a cost-sharing partnership of about $12 million total between the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Balboa Island Ferry, and South Coast AQMD. CARB will fund approximately 62 percent of costs, while Balboa Island Ferry and South Coast AQMD will contribute 36 percent and 2 percent, respectively.