Is Your School District Still Paying for Diesel Fuel? Get Electric School Bus Funding Today!

Electric school buses have no tailpipe emissions of harmful pollutants that can cause asthma, health issues and cognitive development problems in students. They have the lowest carbon emissions of any type of school bus. And they have lower lifetime fuel and maintenance costs – saving school districts money that can re-invested back into the classroom. 

Best of all, they’re ready today. With ranges of over 100 miles on a single charge, today’s electric school buses are the clean, reliable ride that your students and community deserve. In fact, there are more than 5,000 electric school buses on the road or on the way today! 

And thanks to the federal government’s $500 million 2023 Clean School Bus Rebates, your school district now has the opportunity to use federal funds to cover up to $345,000 or more of the purchase price of each new electric school bus and its related charging infrastructure.  

The application is short and simple. Apply today on the EPA website. 

Frequently asked questions: 

• How much money can my district receive? The EPA has designated your school district as a “priority district,” which means you’re eligible for up to $345,000 per electric school bus and can also receive an additional $20,000 per bus for a wheelchair lift. In certain states and territories you can also get $20,000 more to help cover shipping. That's more than $100,000 more than other districts can receive per bus – this is your chance to bring extra funding to your district! 
• Who is eligible to apply for funding? All public school districts in the U.S. are eligible to apply for funding through the Clean School Bus Program! That includes districts in all states, territories and Tribal nations, as well as public charter school districts. Some nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, dealers and private fleet operators may also be eligible. Check the EPA website for more on eligibility!  
• How does the application process work? Once you apply, you’ll be entered into the program’s lottery – but as a priority district, your application will be given extra weight in the lottery. In fact, the EPA estimates that about 60% of funding will go to priority districts. 
• What accounts do I need to apply? Your school district needs to be registered as an entity at  SAM.gov. This is the website the federal government uses to track and disburse funds, and you’ll need your Unique Entity ID (UEI) from this site to fill out the application. Your district may already have an active SAM.gov registration – check with your school district staff. If not, you will need to register your school district.  
• What forms do I need to fill out? In addition to the application form found on the EPA website, you’ll need to submit documentation showing that you’ve connected with your electric utility to discuss this application, and that your school board is aware of the application. 
• What can the funding cover? Funding is only available to replace the oldest school buses your district currently has in operation. Check the program guide on the EPA website to learn more. 
• When are applications due? The application deadline is January 31, 2024, at 4 PM ET, but you should get started on your application right away. Apply today! 

You can learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebates program and how to apply here.