The Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) incentive project pairs zero-emission (ZE) school bus vehicle incentives through the California Air Resources Board (CARB), with charging infrastructure incentives through the California Energy Commission (CEC).
A total of $500 million is appropriated from Senate Bill (SB) 114 for ZESBI (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, Chapter 48, Statutes of 2023). In Fiscal Year 2023-24, $375 million is allocated to support purchases of qualifying ZE school buses and $125 million is allocated to support infrastructure and associated cost incentives.
The replacement of internal combustion engine (ICE) school buses with zero-emission models will contribute to the improvement of community health and progress towards California’s climate goals.
By decommissioning aging ICE vehicles and deploying newly funded zero-emission school buses, climate pollutants emitted can be permanently reduced and prevent further greenhouse gas emissions from being introduced into the community.
The funding for associated infrastructure and school transportation programs will also aid local education agencies (LEAs) with the necessary resources to switch to an all-electric school bus fleet.
The ZESBI project prioritizes support for small school districts, rural school districts, or local educational agencies (LEA) serving a high percentage of unduplicated pupils. Additionally, the ZESBI project prioritizes LEAs serving low-income communities, and disadvantaged communities.
All information and resources provided on this website are intended to support the widespread adoption of zero-emission school buses.
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
In partnership with the California Energy Commission, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is providing funding for zero-emission school buses to support the switch to clean transportation and reduce cost barriers for local educational agencies. CARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health-based air quality standards.
California Energy Commission (CEC)
In partnership with the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission (CEC) is providing funding for charging and fueling infrastructure to support the switch to zero-emission school buses and reduce cost barriers for local educational agencies. CEC is leading the state to a 100% clean energy future for all. As the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, the Energy Commission plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future - one that is clean, is modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive.
CALSTART
CALSTART is implementing the ZESBI project on behalf of CARB and CEC. A mission-driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all, CALSTART has offices in New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, Florida, and Europe. CALSTART is uniquely positioned to build the national clean transportation industry by working closely with its 285 member companies and building on the lessons learned from the major programs it manages for the State of California. CALSTART manages more than $1 billion in vehicle incentive and technical assistance programs in the United States and is leading a global effort to build the zero-emission commercial vehicle market.