Your Guide to California’s Electric School Bus Incentive Programs
Electric school bus grant and incentive funding is available now to help electrify your district’s school bus fleet.
Funding is Available for School Districts in California
Electric school bus funding is available through the following programs:
Local AQMD Funding
– A number of Air Quality Management Districts (AQMDs) offer specific school bus electrification funding. For example, South Coast AQMD is administering a Lower Emission School Bus Program School Bus program (closing April 18th) that will provide up to $45M for school districts within South Coast AQMD. Learn more.
SCE Programs
– Southern California Edison (SCE) offers its customers fleet electrification assistance, grant assistance, and conducts EV readiness studies. Funding is also available for charging infrastructure. Learn more.
SDG&E Programs
– San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) offers its customers fleet electrification advisory services, as well as design and implementation services. Rebates are available for charging infrastructure. Learn more.
PG&E Programs
– Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers infrastructure incentives of $4,000 per vehicle for electric school buses, as well as charging equipment rebates for 50% of the cost of the charger. Learn more.
LADWP Programs
– LADWP offers rebates for commercial EV charging stations (up to $125,000 per charging station). The program is currently open and will remain open until fully subscribed. Learn more.
SMUD Programs
– SMUD offers vehicle and infrastructure incentives for commercial fleets. Funding amounts range from $5,000-$15,000 per vehicle, with additional funding available for charging and infrastructure. Enrollment is currently open and will remain open until the program is fully subscribed. Learn more.
Hybrid & Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive (HVIP)
– HVIP and ZESBI program opportunities are currently closed but will likely re-open in spring 2025.
Carl Moyer Program
– $60 million will be awarded through competitive grants annually. Eligible vehicles include school buses, transit vehicles, heavy duty trucks, and more. The program opens annually in the spring. Learn more.
EnergIIZE
– EnergIIZE offers two different programs to support the electric vehicle charging infrastructure development associated with school bus electrification. The program is currently closed and will open again in 2024. Learn more.
How can Highland Help
Strengthen Your Application With an Experienced Partner
Our mission is to make electric vehicles affordable and accessible for all communities. We’ve helped school districts secure over $525M in grants & incentives, and we’re happy to share our expertise with you. Our dedicated team of incentive program experts are happy to help answer your questions, whether you choose to work with Highland or not.
