How States Support Electric School Bus Adoption

How States Support Electric School Bus Adoption

States are helping school districts transition to electric school buses by providing a mix of funding, infrastructure support, and planning tools. While the approach varies, the goal is the same: make the transition achievable for districts of all sizes.

Some states have set clear timelines for shifting to electric buses. In New York, all new school bus purchases must be electric by 2027¹, with full fleet conversion by 2035. California has adopted a similar path and has already put more than 2,300² electric buses on the road. These timelines help districts align bus replacement schedules, apply for funding, and coordinate with utilities.

State funding plays a critical role in helping districts cover the upfront costs of electric school buses. In California, more than $1.3 billion has been committed to support deployments, including a $500 million investment aimed at underserved communities. New York is backing its statewide transition with $500 million in voter-approved funding, while New Jersey offers point-of-sale rebates and tax exemptions that help lower the total cost of vehicle adoption³.

Charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges, but several states are addressing it head-on. Utility programs in Michigan⁴, Texas⁵, and New Jersey help cover the cost of preparing sites for charger installation. California districts often work with utilities to design charging plans that fit their energy needs.

At Highland Electric Fleets, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful planning combined with available incentives can help districts move from concept to deployment. From South Burlington, Vermont to Compton, California and everywhere in between, we work alongside school systems to navigate funding, align with state goals, and manage the technical complexity of electrification.

Electric school buses require more than just vehicle replacements. They involve collaboration across transportation departments, facilities teams, utilities, and local governments. Fortunately, many states are stepping up with the tools and resources needed to help support this transition.

Curious what incentives are available in your state? Click here to learn more.

References:

1. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Electric-School-Buses/All-About-Electric-School-Buses#nys-universal-navigation

2. https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/school-bus-replacement-program

3. https://dep.nj.gov/stopthesoot/electric-school-bus-program/

4. https://mapt.org/sec-74-clean-school-bus-grant/

5. https://www.tceq.texas.gov/agency/trust/all-electric