EPA Clean School Bus Program

Use these resources to understand what is included in the EPA Clean School Bus Program and how to apply for the grants.

In 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration provided $5 billion over the next five years (FY 2022 - 2026) in funding to replace existing school buses with zero emission and low emission models. The EPA founded the Clean School Bus Program to administer those funds and support the electrification of our school buses.

The EPA Clean School Bus grants are providing up to 15-50 school buses for single school district applications and 25-100 school buses for third party applicants (such as manufacturers, dealers, private bus fleets, or nonprofit transportation associations). 

Who can apply?

• Public School Districts
• Tribal Applicants
• Third Parties

How is funding prioritized?

Priority for funding is given to applications that propose to replace buses that serve districts that meet one or more of the prioritization criteria:

High-need school districts and low-income areas

• High-need local educational agencies
• Rural school districts
• Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded school districts
• School districts that receive basic support payment for children who reside on Indian land

The EPA has provided a list of school districts considered prioritized under the grant program. 

What does funding cover?

• New electric school bus and charging equipment
• Charging infrastructure costs on the customer's side of the meter (such as designing, engineering, trenching, wiring, electrical upgrades, labor, permitting, software, and telematics)
• On-site battery storage or renewable energy systems to power buses and charging stations
• Workforce training and certifications such as EVITP
• Staff time, staff benefits, travel, supplies, sub-contractors, and other related expenses

Priority school districts are eligible for up to $395,000 per electric school bus. School districts that don't meet the priority district criteria are eligible for up to $250,000 per electric school bus. 

Applicants must show that the electric school bus they are purchasing are replacing existing diesel-burning school bus model year 2010 or older. There are exceptions that can be found in the EPA's Notice of Funding Opportunity. 

Resources for Applying for EPA Clean School Bus Grants

• How to Apply for Clean School Bus Program Funding: The Electric School Bus Initiative, from WRI, offers information on how to apply for the EPA's Clean School Bus Grants and provides resources, including a free annotated sample project narrative. READ MORE →
• Alliance for Electric School Buses: Get information on and resources to apply for the EPA grant program. READ MORE →
• Technical Assistance and Resources for School Districts: From the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation provides technical assistance and resources for planning for and deploying clean school buses in their communities. READ MORE →

Last Updated: 8/11/2023