California reopens $55 million funding programme for zero-emission school buses and charging infrastructure

California has reopened its Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) incentive programme, making at least $55 million in state funding available for zero-emission school buses and charging infrastructure, with additional incentives of up to $40,000 per vehicle.

The new funding round opened on 3 November 2026 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with applications prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis. The programme is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), with Catalyst Mobility, formerly CALSTART, serving as project administrator.

According to Catalyst Mobility, the new solicitation combines financial support for vehicle procurement and charging equipment, with eligible applicants required to request one charger for every zero-emission school bus included in their application.

California ZESBI funding: $55 million available

The latest ZESBI funding round provides at least $55 million for eligible California schools seeking to purchase zero-emission buses and associated charging infrastructure.

In addition to the main incentive allocation, approved applicants will automatically qualify for up to $40,000 in supplementary funding for each zero-emission school bus included in their approved application.

As explained by Catalyst Mobility, the additional funding addresses higher vehicle procurement costs following the elimination of the federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, known as Section 45W, and price increases associated with federal tariffs.

The programme also includes infrastructure requirements. Applicants must request one charger for each zero-emission school bus covered by their funding application, establishing a one-to-one ratio between vehicles and charging equipment.

California schools can submit applications through the ZESBI Application Portal, where they must first create an account. Catalyst Mobility will subsequently notify applicants of the next steps required to complete the process.

Information on eligibility requirements and the application procedure is available through the programme’s official website.

Zero-emission school buses in California: what’s up?

The new incentive round follows earlier procurement measures introduced by California to support zero-emission school bus deployment. In 2023, the state, together with local government agencies, awarded statewide contracts for different categories of zero-emission school buses through the Procurement Division of the Department of General Services.

These contracts establish agreed pricing for eligible vehicles and can be used by California public schools alongside ZESBI incentives or other funding sources. Their use is encouraged but is not mandatory.

According to the Electric School Bus Initiative, more than 8,500 zero-emission school buses are currently operating across the United States, with California accounting for the largest state fleet.

The ZESBI programme is financed jointly by CARB and the California Energy Commission, while Catalyst Mobility is responsible for administering the incentives and managing the application process.

The latest solicitation covers both bus procurement and charging infrastructure, with the additional per-vehicle incentive available to recipients whose applications are approved under the programme.

In brief

• How much funding is available under the new ZESBI round?
  At least $55 million in California state funding is available for zero-emission school buses and charging infrastructure.
• How much additional funding can schools receive per bus?
  Approved applicants are eligible for up to $40,000 in supplementary funding for each zero-emission school bus.
• When did applications open?
  The application period opened on 3 November 2026 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with first-come, first-served prioritization.
• Does ZESBI funding include charging infrastructure?
  Yes. Applicants must request one charger for each zero-emission school bus included in their application.

Catalyst Mobility on the new ZESBI funding round

“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.”

“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.”