Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) Incentive Project

The ZESBI incentive project hosts a single application for eligible local educational agencies to apply for zero-emission school bus incentives through the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and charging infrastructure incentives through the California Energy Commission (CEC).

Awardees can receive up to $470,000 towards the purchase of a new zero-emission school bus and its supporting infrastructure, per requested school bus. Up to 10% of the total grant award can be used towards “School Transportation Program” costs, such as, but not limited to: zero-emission workforce training; technical assistance; charger or zero-emission bus repairs; transportation department shop equipment; or transportation yard improvement projects.

The ZESBI incentive project prioritizes awards to small or rural school districts, and local educational agencies that serve a high percentage of students who are foster youth, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or are English language learners. Applicant eligibility and prioritization is outlined in detail on the ZESBI website .

You can find more information including program requirements, information on how to prepare for an application, and a recording of the Application Information Session online on the ZESBI website .