Trystan Casey
California has the largest electric school bus fleet in the country, with over 3,110 committed electric buses across the state, of which nearly 45% are delivered or in operation. California's transition to electric school buses is driven by the state's commitment to protecting children's health from the harmful effects of diesel exhaust and the goal of expanding clean energy usage. The state has provided over $1.3 billion in incentives to school districts, funding more than 2,300 zero-emission school buses, with a significant focus on prioritising communities disproportionately affected by air pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electric school buses in California | 560 |
| Number of committed electric school buses | 3,110 |
| Number of electric school buses delivered or operating | 1,400 (nearly 45% of committed buses) |
| Number of zero-emission school buses funded by California | 2,300 |
| Number of zero-emission school buses in use | 1,100 |
| Number of clean school buses to be added | 1,000 |
| Number of California school districts with at least one zero-emission school bus | 300 |
| Number of California school districts with a 100% clean fleet | A few |
| Number of California school buses | 24,000 |
| Number of California school buses that pre-date federal emission standards | 9,600 (40%) |
| Number of California school buses funded by EPA | 177 |
| Number of Oakland Unified electric school buses | 10,000 |
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What You'll Learn
California's electric school bus funding
California is leading the way in electric school bus adoption, with over 3,110 committed electric buses across the state, of which nearly 45% are delivered or in operation. This is a positive step towards achieving the state's goal of transitioning to electric school buses by 2035.
The transition to electric school buses in California is being supported by various funding sources and initiatives. Here is an overview of the funding landscape:
- Federal Clean School Bus Program: This program is the largest funding source for electric school buses in California. Backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it has provided a $5 billion to help replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. California has been a significant beneficiary of this program, receiving awards and grants to support the transition.
- California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project: This is California-specific funding that has supported the commitment to electric school buses in the state. It has funded 1,213 bus commitments, showcasing the state's dedication to accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies.
- Senate Bill 114 (SB 114): This bill allocated significant funding towards the transition to zero-emission school buses. In Fiscal Year 2023-24, $375 million was dedicated to purchasing qualifying zero-emission school buses, and an additional $125 million was allocated for infrastructure and associated cost incentives.
- Senate Bill 110: This bill provided $75 million to establish the California Energy Commission School Bus Replacement Program. This program aims to replace old diesel buses with new battery-electric buses and install the necessary charging infrastructure.
- Carl Moyer Program: Administered by local air districts, this program provides funding for cleaner engines and equipment, including electric school buses. It offers grants with varying amounts based on the project type, supporting the adoption of cleaner transportation solutions.
- Clean Mobility in Schools: This initiative funds clean transportation strategies, including electric vehicles and infrastructure in schools (K-12). It also promotes car-sharing for staff to use zero-emission vehicles and supports curriculum development and community outreach related to clean energy.
- California Air Resources Board (CARB): CARB plays a crucial role in supporting the transition to zero-emission school buses. They provide direct funding and assist local educational agencies in applying for grants, such as those offered by the EPA. CARB has also utilized funding from the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to replace diesel school buses since 2011.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants: The EPA has awarded grants and funding through initiatives like the Clean School Bus Program and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). These grants help replace diesel buses with zero-emission models and reduce harmful emissions from older vehicles.
The funding landscape for California's electric school bus initiative is diverse and multi-faceted, involving federal programs, state-specific initiatives, and local district grants. This combined effort is accelerating the transition to electric school buses, improving air quality, and creating a healthier environment for California's children.
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Electric school bus benefits
California is leading the way in electric school bus adoption, with over 3,110 committed electric buses across the state. This is a positive step, as electric school buses offer a multitude of benefits compared to traditional diesel buses.
One of the most significant advantages is the reduction of harmful tailpipe emissions, which improves air quality for students, drivers, and the wider community. Diesel exhaust is linked to various health issues, including lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, and children are especially vulnerable due to their developing lungs. Cleaner air can also lead to improved student attendance and academic achievement.
Electric school buses are also more cost-effective and efficient. They have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance costs, and electricity is generally cheaper than diesel fuel. Districts can further benefit from potential revenue generation through Vehicle-to-Grid technology, where excess electricity is sold back to the grid during high-demand periods.
The environmental benefits of electric school buses are also noteworthy. They produce zero emissions, reducing carbon footprints and helping to speed up the transition to clean energy. Additionally, electric buses can provide critical battery storage, powering homes during outages and supporting the grid during demand spikes.
The adoption of electric school buses demonstrates a district's commitment to progress and environmental stewardship. They are quieter than traditional buses, reducing noise pollution, and with government funding and incentives, the upfront costs of electric buses can be reduced, making them accessible to more districts.
Overall, electric school buses offer a cleaner, healthier, and more cost-effective option for school districts, with the potential to positively impact the health and well-being of students and communities.
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California's electric school bus legislation
California has been making efforts to electrify its transportation system, and its electric school bus fleet is the largest in the country. The state has committed to transitioning to electric school buses to provide a healthier future for children and reduce harmful air pollution.
California's new legislation, Assembly Bill 579 (AB 579), requires that all new school buses purchased or leased after 2035 be zero-emission. This aligns with the state's commitment to transitioning to electric vehicles, with all new cars in California required to be electric starting in 2035. The legislation is expected to cost around five billion dollars over the next decade due to the higher cost of battery-electric vehicles compared to their diesel counterparts.
AB 579 provides financing options to ease the transition for school districts, with the state committing $1.8 billion over the next five years. Additional funding comes from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the federal Clean School Bus Program, which is the largest funding source for electric school buses in the country. The Biden-Harris Administration has also provided over $91 million in rebates for clean school buses in California, helping to replace older, diesel-fueled buses.
The transition to electric school buses offers multiple benefits. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health by reducing exposure to diesel exhaust, and save school districts money on fuel costs. Electric buses can also provide a critical source of reliable battery storage, adding more than 3,085 MWh to the state's electricity storage capacity. This additional storage can speed up the transition to a renewable energy grid and provide emergency power during outages.
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Electric school bus technology
California has the largest electric school bus fleet in the country, with over 3,110 committed electric buses across the state, of which nearly 45% are delivered or in operation. This number is more than four times the number of buses in New York, the next leading state, with 764 commitments. California's electric school buses are funded by a variety of sources, including the federal Clean School Bus Program, the state's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, and the Volkswagen Clean Air Act Civil Settlement.
The state has committed to transitioning to 100% electric school buses by 2035, with Assembly Bill 579 requiring all new school bus purchases and contracts to be zero-emission by that year. This legislation is in line with California's goal of transitioning to electric public transit buses and its commitment to all new cars in the state being electric from 2035 onwards. The state has already provided more than $1.3 billion in incentives to school districts, funding over 2,300 zero-emission school buses, 1,100 of which are already in use.
Electric school buses offer several benefits over traditional diesel buses. Firstly, they help to reduce emissions and improve air quality, which is particularly important for children's developing lungs. Diesel exhaust is linked to various health problems, including lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, and breathing it can negatively impact academic performance. Electric buses also save districts money and help speed up the expansion of clean energy usage by providing a reliable source of battery storage.
California's electric school buses are equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows them to provide additional power during demand spikes or emergency power during outages. For example, electric school buses in El Cajon are already providing emergency power. Additionally, Zūm, the major school district in Oakland, has set a goal of electrifying 10,000 bidirectional school buses, which will create the potential to supply 300GWh of energy to power grids annually.
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California's electric school bus future
California is leading the way in electric school bus adoption, with over 3,110 committed electric buses across the state, of which nearly 45% are delivered or operating. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the state's commitment to providing cleaner and healthier transportation options for its citizens.
The Golden State's journey towards electric school buses began with the recognition of the harmful effects of diesel exhaust on children's health and the environment. With the majority of California's 24,000 school buses running on diesel, there was a pressing need to reduce the exposure of children and communities to unhealthy fumes. Diesel exhaust has been linked to various health issues, including lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, with children being especially vulnerable due to their developing lungs.
Assembly Bill 579, signed into law by Governor Newsom in October 2023, was a pivotal moment in California's electric school bus future. The bill requires all new school bus purchases and contracts to be zero-emission by 2035, aligning with the state's goal of transitioning to electric public transit buses and heavy-duty trucks. This legislation sends a strong message about California's commitment to protecting its children and the environment.
To support this transition, California has provided more than $1.3 billion in incentives to school districts, funding over 2,300 zero-emission school buses, with 1,100 already in use. The state has also committed an additional $500 million for educational agencies to purchase zero-emission school buses and chargers, demonstrating its dedication to accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, California has the largest electric school bus fleet in the country with 560 buses.
California has the fifth-largest school bus fleet in the nation, with 20,333 buses. Therefore, electric school buses make up approximately 2.75% of the state's total school bus fleet.
California has committed $1.8 billion to help schools transition to electric school buses over the next five years. The state has provided more than $1.3 billion in incentives to school districts, funding more than 2,300 zero-emission school buses, of which 1,100 are already in use. California has also awarded $500 million for educational agencies to buy zero-emission school buses and chargers.
