Public School Bus Fleets
California is leading the nation in the deployment of zero-emission school buses. Assembly Bill No. 579 requires that, starting January 1, 2035, all newly purchased or contracted school buses must be zero-emission where feasible. To help local educational agencies make the switch, the state offers funding programs and free technical assistance.
Funding Programs
ZESBI
The Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) incentive project pairs zero-emission school bus funding with charging infrastructure incentives, making it easier for California’s local educational agencies to purchase zero-emission school buses and their accompanying infrastructure.
Public School Bus Set-Aside
The Public School Bus Set-Aside provided $265 million in funding across two fiscal years to help school districts replace old internal combustion engine school buses with new zero-emission vehicles and associated charging infrastructure.
Standard HVIP
Public school buses are also eligible for funding through the standard Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). This option provides vouchers for the incremental cost of purchasing eligible zero-emission school buses on a first-come, first-served basis.
Program Resources
Access resources that support your zero-emission school bus deployment.
No-Cost Technical Assistance
Cal Fleet Advisor (CFA) is a no-cost technical assistance program that helps school bus fleets across California overcome operational, financial, and infrastructure challenges so they can simplify the path to zero-emission school buses and make vehicle and charging decisions with confidence. Advisors can also answer questions, provide access to industry partners, and connect you with tools and resources.
CFA Zero-Emission School Bus Forum
In addition to one-on-one support, CFA hosts their Zero-Emission School Bus Forum for California school districts interested in accelerating the adoption of zero-emission school buses. The CFA Zero-Emission School Bus Forum offers expert guidance, technical assistance, updates on funding and incentive programs, and guest speakers with insights from across the industry.
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