Catalyst Mobility Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, jsmith@catalystmobility.org, (626) 744-5645  

PASADENA, CA — Today, the Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) incentive project announced the reopening of a combined incentive opportunity to help make it easier for California school districts to purchase zero-emission (ZE) school buses and supporting charging infrastructure.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on November 3, 2026, at least $55 million in state funding will become available, prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible applicants.

Incentive recipients will automatically be eligible to receive up to $40,000 in additional funding for each ZE school bus included in their approved ZESBI application (see Section 3 of the California Air Resources Board’s [CARB’s] ZESBI Implementation Manual). This add-on will assist with the increased cost of procuring a ZE school bus due to the elimination of the federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (45W) and mitigate price increases from tariffs enacted by the federal government.

“The public asked for more funding to spur ZE school bus adoption in areas affected by transportation-related air pollution, and CARB and the California Energy Commission put that request to work,” said Rachel Chard, Senior Director of Bus Programs at Catalyst Mobility™. “This new round of ZESBI funding, alongside the extra $40,000 funding opportunity, reinforces our partnership’s lasting commitment to delivering clean transportation technologies to communities disproportionately impacted by poor air quality.”

Eligible California schools are required to create an account in the ZESBI Application Portal to apply for funding and will be notified by the project administrator, Catalyst Mobility, on next steps to complete the application process. For more information about the ZESBI application process, visit the ZESBI website.

Eligible schools are encouraged to ask questions now and start thinking about their fleet’s needs and project scope for a smooth ride during the application process. Upon the application acceptance period, incentive recipients will be required to request one charger for every ZE school bus requested.

“With the first-come, first-served applicant priority model and the guaranteed one-to-one charger-to-bus ratio for eligible applicants, there’s an opportunity for local educational agencies to move forward quickly,” explained Michelle Hanson, Director of Electric School Bus Programs at Catalyst Mobility. “We’re excited to work with applicants who are ready and eager to implement these technologies and help meet California’s climate goals.”

BACKGROUND

According to the Electric School Bus Initiative, more than 8,500 ZE school buses are in operation across the United States, with California leading the charge.

In 2023, the State of California, alongside local government agencies, awarded statewide contracts for ZE school buses at contracted pricing through the Procurement Division of the Department of General Services for different types of ZE school buses. The use of the statewide contract is encouraged but not required. California public schools can use the statewide contract in tandem with ZESBI funds or other funding sources.

Over the years, ZE school bus adoption has rapidly accelerated across California, signaling that school districts are committed to transitioning away from traditional internal combustion school buses that are harmful to both health and the environment. Replacing internal combustion engine school buses with ZE technologies has contributed to healthier communities, improved air quality, and progress toward California’s climate goals.

ZESBI is funded through CARB and the California Energy Commission, and the funds are administered by Catalyst Mobility, formerly CALSTART.

About CARB

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.

About California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies. For more information, visit https://www.energy.ca.gov.

About Catalyst Mobility 

Catalyst Mobility, formed through the combination of CALSTART and Forth, is a global nonprofit advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation for people and goods. We bring together industry, government, and communities to overcome barriers, accelerate innovation, shape policy, and move proven solutions into widespread use — delivering cleaner air, reducing climate pollution, and expanding economic opportunity. Learn more at catalystmobility.org.