Electric School Bus Initiative
Your Roadmap to a Cleaner, Smarter Fleet
Is your school district ready to take the next step toward a zero-emission future? The Electric School Bus Academy is a free, one-day training program created to help school leaders, fleet managers, business administrators, green teams, and contractors confidently navigate the transition to electric school buses (ESBs).
Developed in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI), this initiative is part of a nationwide effort to accelerate electric school bus adoption. Our goal is not only to raise awareness but to equip school districts with the tools, resources, and a practical framework for planning, funding, and implementing successful ESB programs.
What You'll Gain:
-
A step-by-step guide to electrifying your school bus fleet, from planning through deployment
-
Insights into procurement strategies, route planning, maintenance, and charging infrastructure
-
Guidance on working with utility providers and other key stakeholders
-
Real-world lessons from school districts that are already on the road to electrification
-
Access to tools, templates, and funding resources to support your next steps
-
A collaborative, interactive environment to connect with peers, experts, vendors, and utilities
-
A dedicated listening session to elevate your district’s concerns and shape future technical assistance
Whether you’re exploring the idea or actively implementing electric buses, the Academy is designed to meet you where you are and move you forward with clarity and support. Join us and leave with the knowledge, confidence, and network you need to drive change in your community.
Clean School Bus New Funding
EPA Clean School Bus Program
Following the passage of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA is offering a total of $5 billion between fiscal years 2022 and 2026 to fund the replacement of existing school buses with low- or zero-emission school buses. Each year, $500 million will be available exclusively for electric school buses and $500 million will be available for electric buses and multiple types of cleaner alternative fuel school buses. To learn more, click here.
NJDEP Stop the Soot ESB Program
New Jersey is invested in exploring the betterment of school bus fleets throughout the state by implementing a program designed to encourage and monitor the transition to electric school buses. In each year of funding, at least half of the school districts or school bus contractors selected by the department must operate within an Overburdened Community. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Electric School Bus Grant program provides up to $15,000,000 per year for three years to replace diesel school buses with battery-electric school buses. Click here to learn more
Electric School Bus Planning & Training Resources
A great place to start your ESB explorations is with our “Preparing for Electric School Buses” form which provides tailored information to key resources for each step of the journey of incorporating these buses into your fleet.
Download your copy of the Electric School Bus Buyer's Guide for practical advice on transitioning to electric school buses, including NJ contacts.
Check out our Electric School Bus Video Playlist for real stories, expert insights, and in-depth technical resources on how electric buses are improving air quality, reducing costs, and transforming school transportation.
