California opens $55 million fund for Electric School buses

The California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission have reopened the Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) incentive programme to provide at least $55 million in state funding.

This initiative supports local schools in purchasing zero-emission buses and the necessary charging equipment. Catalyst Mobility administers the programme and manages the application process. The funding round began on 3 November 2026 and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

To qualify, schools must request one charger for every zero-emission bus included in their application. The state also offers supplementary funding of up to $40,000 for each vehicle to help offset higher costs caused by federal tariffs and the end of the federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit. These measures aim to improve air quality in communities most affected by transportation pollution. California currently operates the largest fleet of zero-emission school buses in the United States.

Schools can submit their requests through the ZESBI Application Portal after creating an account.