Every day students are impacted by harmful diesel exhaust pollution from school buses. As we look toward a cleaner future, one of the most impactful changes we can make is transitioning school buses to produce zero tailpipe emissions. Electric buses generate the lowest levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to any other type of school bus. These buses are rapidly becoming a game-changer for communities across the country, offering numerous environmental, financial, and health benefits.
Current Funding Opportunities
EM-ACT is working in conjunction with Ameren Missouri on an Electric School Bus and Charging Program that will provide electric school buses and chargers at no cost to the school district.
Applications are due on April 9th, 2025 at 4:00pm C.T.
Electric School Bus 101
Explore the AFDC’s educational webinars and handouts that provide information about the benefits of electric school buses and examples of their use. There are many resources in this series called “Flipping the Switch on Electric School Buses” through various topics such as Working with Electric Utilities, Vehicle Requirements, Charging Infrastructure, Driver and Technician Training, Cost Factors, and many more!
Explore the Data
Find data about school bus deployment, depots, the transition to zero-tailpipe-emission electric school buses and more! Diesel currently powers more than 90% of school buses in the US, and its exhaust is linked to serious health and development conditions – with evidence suggesting young students are especially at-risk. And, due to a long-standing history of discriminatory policies, communities of color and low-income communities bear the brunt of on-road pollution in the U.S. and are more likely to depend on school bus transportation.
The Electrification Process
The Electric School Bus Initiative published a guide to the electrification Process. Access the latest tools and resources for School Districts and Fleet Operators- From funding and financing opportunities to charging options and deployment tactics, ESBI has it all!
National Efforts
The World Resource Institute is working with partners, including communities, school districts, NGOs, businesses, and local, state and national government, to gain support in the transition to electric school buses. WRI is also tracking electric school bus adoption across the country, including factors like geography and demographics of the school districts they serve.