New York state has announced the availability of $100 million for zero-emission school buses in the first round of funding for e-buses under the $4.2-billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

New York’s 2022 State of the State initiative requires all new school buses sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2027, and all school buses on the road to be zero-emission by 2035.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has launched the pre-application process through which bus manufacturers and dealers can apply to qualify for the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP).

NYSBIP is a point-of-sale incentive program that provides discounts to eligible school bus fleet operators that purchase battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure. Incentives will be disbursed directly to dealers and manufacturers to offset some or all of the difference in purchase price between zero-emission buses and comparable legacy buses.

The program rules will guide the total Bond Act allotment of $500 million for zero-emission school buses and infrastructure. The application process to receive funding will open on November 29, 2023. NYSERDA will host a webinar on the application process on October 11, 2023.

The New York State Electric School Bus Roadmap and the Electric School Bus Guidebook are available to help New York schools make the transition to zero-emission bus fleets. NYSERDA and electric utilities will provide technical assistance to support school districts and fleet operators as they electrify.  

“The commitment of public funds and guidance released today puts New York State schools and bus operators on a trajectory to embrace clean transportation,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Zero-emission buses will become a hallmark, not only transporting students through our communities, but also demonstrating the promise and possibility of a healthier, environmentally friendly, low-carbon future for our youngest citizens.”

“We work daily with our school district and private school transportation partners, providing them the guidance, buses and support they will need to meet New York’s all-electric school bus mandate,” said New York State Bus Distributors Association President Robert Reichenbach. “We look forward to working with them and the Governor’s team as we help replace the more than 47,000 conventionally-powered school buses operating in New York State.”  

Source: NYSERDA