Electric Bus Program
Overview
The Electric Bus Program provides 3CE customers with incentives for the purchase or lease of all-electric buses for schools, public transit agencies, and agricultural worker transport businesses. The Electric Bus Program is intended to reduce GHG emissions from buses, as well as eliminate harmful pollutants emitted by traditional diesel buses in close proximity to people.
E-buses must be purchased between August 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.
Benefits
- Electric buses are more cost effective to run and maintain than diesel
- Buses powered by cleaner energy emit fewer harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas each year
- Clean air is linked to proper cognitive functioning, better physical and academic performance, and increased attendance. People riding an electric bus are happier, healthier and safer
Who is Eligible?
- Individual public schools or public-school districts
- Businesses that provide Ag transport services
- Transit authorities
Eligible applicants must have at least one site located within the 3CE service area. The account associated with the location of the school bus must be in “good standing.”
Eligible Vehicle Types
- School bus types A, B, C, and D
- Shuttle buses
- Transit buses
- Motor coaches
- Other vehicle types, at 3CE’s discretion
Project Eligibility
Requirements for all projects
- The location where the bus will be charged must be actively enrolled in 3CE service at the time the bus is ready to be delivered
- The selected bus must be fully electric (hybrid or hydrogen buses will not be accepted)
- Vehicle or charging equipment must be network/Wi-Fi enabled, such that the bus may participate in future 3CE Programs offering participation in charge, discharge, and related activities
- Bus make and model must be identified prior to submittal of the application
- Application must be received prior to the purchase/order or lease of the electric bus
- Applicant must retain ownership or possession and operate the electric bus as described above for a minimum of 60 consecutive months immediately after purchase or lease
Rebates
| Number of Buses Purchased (any type) | Rebate* (%) | Max Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | $200,000 |
| 2 | 50% | $250,000 |
| 3 | 50% | $300,000 |
| 4 | 50% | $350,000 |
| 5+ | 50% | $400,000 |
*Percentage of total anticipated cost for all buses purchased. 50% off the base price or up to the maximum dollar value allocated per number of buses purchased, whichever is less.
Walkthrough
Applicant identifies desired bus and identifies necessary matching funds to complete bus purchase or lease
Applicant completes and submits online application through the 3CE website
3CE approves application and verifies applicant and project eligibility
3CE provides successful applicants with a notice of qualification, stating that 3CE is prepared to fund the stated rebate amount, should funding remain available in the given fiscal year. This notice of qualification does not serve as a reservation of rebate funds. 3CE will also fund electric buses as a post-purchase rebate, whereby applicants submit a rebate application after purchase and delivery of a bus has been completed
Upon payment and delivery of the bus, applicant provides 3CE with proof of purchase. 3CE verifies documentation, then delivers rebate amount to customer via check
Resources
Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project
Point-of-sale discounts to power California communities and drive commercial technology transformation.
EPA Clean School Bus Program
With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s new Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion from 2022 to 2026 to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models.
EngergIIZE Project
The EnergIIZE (Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission) Commercial Vehicles Project is working to improve community health by reducing air pollution from harmful diesel emissions, while helping commercial fleets and industry partners meet California’s climate goals. Funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and developed in close coordination with equity partners, project funding will provide the infrastructure needed to support the transition of old, polluting medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) equipment to zero-emission battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Funding Finder Tool
CALSTART’s Funding Finder Tool is designed to help stakeholders search and filter for Medium-and-Heavy-Duty Alternative Fuel Vehicle and infrastructure programs in the state of California. Start by filtering results by ZIP Code then filter based on the other criteria you desire.
Alternative Fuels Data Center
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center provides a database of incentives, laws, and regulations related to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles for the state of California, including grants, rebates, tax exemptions, and vehicle replacement programs.
PG&E EV Fleet Program
PG&E’s EV Fleet program helps fleets easily and cost-effectively install charging infrastructure so they can save money, eliminate tailpipe emissions and simplify maintenance.
SCE Charge Ready Transport Program
SCE’s Charge Ready Transport Program gives your business the opportunity to install the infrastructure to support a fleet of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles at low or no cost to you.
Santa Barbara County 2023 Clean Air Grants Program
The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District is providing grant funds to benefit public health by cost-effectively replacing old, high-polluting equipment with newer, cleaner equipment earlier than required by regulation or through normal attrition.
SLO County Clean Air Incentives
The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District has operated its Grant Program since 1997. In that time, it has infused over $33.2 million dollars into the local economy to help businesses modernize their equipment and comply early with State emission regulations. These dollars have funded the reduction of over 3,284 tons of smog forming pollutants.
