Eco-Friendly Trucking Upgrades & Financing Options

With fuel costs still unpredictable and emissions regulations tightening across Canada, many trucking companies and owner-operators are facing a major question:

“How can I make my existing truck greener—without buying a $500,000 electric unit?”

The answer? Strategic retrofits and clean tech upgrades.

This guide explores:

• What eco-friendly upgrades are available for diesel fleets
• How much they cost and what savings they deliver
• How financing can help cover up-front costs
• Available support programs like Canada’s Green Freight Assessment Program (GFAP)
• A real example of a trucker using financing to retrofit, not replace

Why Retrofit Instead of Replace?

Electric and hydrogen trucks are on the horizon—but they’re still:

• Expensive ($400K–$600K per unit)
• Limited in range and availability
• Not viable for many regional or long-haul operators

That’s why clean upgrades for diesel fleets are getting more attention—particularly those that improve fuel economy, reduce idling, and cut NOx and CO₂ emissions.

Popular Eco-Friendly Trucking Upgrades (That Can Be Financed)

Here are the most common and financeable clean-tech additions:

All of the above can be bundled into a single equipment loan or lease—even on older units.

How Financing Helps with Clean Tech Retrofits

These upgrades can deliver real ROI—but only if you can afford the up-front investment.

Financing offers several key advantages:

✅ Preserve Working Capital

Avoid draining cash reserves by spreading the cost over 12–60 months.

✅ Match Payments to Fuel Savings

If a retrofit saves $400/month in diesel, but costs $350/month to finance—you’re already ahead.

✅ Bundle Multiple Items into One Plan

Mehmi helps you combine:

• Skirts
• APU
• Tires
• Installation
  Into a single, affordable monthly payment.

Explore: Truck & Equipment Loans

Real Case Study: Owner-Operator Chooses Retrofit Over Replacement

Driver: Long-haul O/O based in Manitoba
Truck: 2017 Volvo VNL with 850,000 km
Challenge: Couldn’t afford a new EV but wanted to cut fuel costs and prep for Clean Fuel Regulations
Solution:
Financed $18,000 in upgrades:

• Trailer skirts + fairings
• Idle-reduction APU
• Software tune + DEF system update

Terms:

• 48 months, $412/month
• No money down, approved in 36 hours

Result:
Reduced monthly fuel spend by $470/month, passed emissions testing for next 3 years.

Government Support: Green Freight Assessment Program (GFAP)

Canada’s Green Freight Assessment Program (GFAP) supports carriers in reducing GHGs.

What it offers:

• Covers up to 50% of assessment costs
• Helps fund development of retrofit action plans
• May lead to eligibility for future clean-tech retrofit incentives

While the GFAP doesn’t fund retrofits directly, it can unlock recommendations and grant eligibility that support your financing application.

Learn more at: Natural Resources Canada – GFAP

Tips for Applying for Eco-Friendly Truck Financing

✅ Get a formal quote from your APU or retrofit vendor
✅ Prepare last 3–6 months of business bank statements
✅ Know your truck’s current mileage, emissions status, and VIN
✅ Be ready to explain the business benefit (fuel cost reduction, route compliance)

Even used units with higher mileage may qualify—if they pass a basic inspection and serve a core business function.

Explore: Refinancing & Leasebacks

FAQs: Financing Clean Trucking Upgrades

Can I finance used trailers and upgrade them at the same time?
Yes. Mehmi can help you finance both the base equipment and upgrades together.

Do I need to own the truck outright to get retrofits financed?
No. You can add upgrades to leased or financed vehicles in some cases—check your lender terms or ask about refinancing.

Do these upgrades really save fuel?
Yes. APUs, aerodynamics, and tire upgrades have proven results in both fuel reduction and emissions compliance.

Is there a minimum credit score?
Most lenders look for 600+, but Mehmi works with specialized lenders for challenged-credit or newer operators.

Final Word: Go Green Without Going Broke

Sustainable trucking doesn’t have to mean buying a $400K electric rig.

With the right financing plan, you can:

• Cut fuel spend by hundreds per month
• Extend your rig’s useful life
• Meet upcoming environmental rules
• Protect your margins in a competitive market

At Mehmi, we help Canadian truckers and fleet operators invest in clean upgrades without putting their business at risk.

Ready to reduce emissions and fuel costs with retrofit financing?
Speak to a credit analyst or use our calculator to see how affordable green upgrades can be.

‍