Electric Bus Program
Overview
The Electric Bus Program provides 3CE customers with incentives for the purchase or lease of all-electric school buses and agricultural worker transport buses. 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
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
- Ag transport businesses
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
- 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
For School Buses
- Must demonstrate ability to cover a minimum of 25% of the bus cost (“matching funds requirement”)
For Ag Transport Businesses
- Must demonstrate ability to cover a minimum of 50% of the bus cost (“matching funds requirement”)
Rebates
| Applicant Type | Rebate | Max Rebate per Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Schools/School Districts | 75% of vehicle cost | $200,000 |
| Ag Transport Businesses | 50% of vehicle cost | $150,000 |
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 letter of intent to fund an approved bus
Upon completion of the bus, Applicant provides 3CE with documentation that the bus is ready for payment and delivery
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.
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
The 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.