APCD Electric School Bus Grant Program

Page updated September 9, 2024

The SLO County APCD Electric School Bus Grant Program is currently CLOSED to new applications.   

Funding Amounts

For zero-emission electric buses, APCD will fund 50% of the eligible portion of the purchase price up to $200,000 per bus. Co-funding may be available through incentive programs from incentive programs listed below in the "Additional Co-Funding Opportunities" section. Please note that not all funding sources allow “stacking” or combining with other funding sources; eligibility will be confirmed before committing funds.

Funding for standard diesel replacement buses is not available.

Up to 100% funding for electric bus charging infrastructure is also available under a separate application – see our EV Infrastructure web page.

Eligibility

• All projects are replacement only and require scrapping a diesel (or gasoline) powered bus. 
• Old bus must be in operational condition and in regular use, with current CHP safety inspection, and inspection records for the previous 2 years.
• Upon delivery of the new bus, the old bus will be destroyed at an approved salvage yard.
• Bus must belong to a fleet of public school buses in San Luis Obispo County.
• Engine model year of old bus must be at least 20 years old (2003 or older).
• The new replacement school bus must be equipped with a zero-emission propulsion system (battery electric) with a minimum range of 35 miles.
• Some APCD funding sources require that projects meet a cost-effectiveness threshold which may reduce the eligible award amount.
• Additional eligibility requirements apply - for more information, see the Request for Proposals which has links to program guidelines. 

How to Apply

APCD employs a two-part application process for school bus projects.  Part A of the application is found at the link below and must be accompanied by the REG 292 card(s) for the old bus.  A dealer quotation is not required for this portion of the application.

If your project is chosen for funding, we will send you part B of the application to complete and return to APCD with additional documentation, including a dealer quote. The bus must not be purchased until the application is accepted and a grant agreement is executed with APCD.

School Bus Replacement Application Part A

List of Approved Dealers and Salvage Yards

Applications received will be used to create an eligibility list for current and future APCD school bus funding. Future funding sources may include the AB 617 Community Air Protection Program, which prioritizes funding for zero-emission technologies in low-income areas of our county. Your application today for the School Bus Replacement Program will automatically enroll your project for consideration in the AB 617 program.
 

Please direct any questions regarding school bus grants to Tom Hickey at [email protected] or 805-781-4247. 

Additional Co-Funding Opportunities

APCD will fund up to 50% for the eligible portion of the purchase price, up to $200,000 per bus (note: proof of salvage of replaced bus is required). Co-funding is allowed and may be available through incentive programs from:

• Central Coast Community Energy (open only to their customers)
• Zero Emissions School Bus Infrastructure (accepting applications through 09/30/2024)
• Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (first-come, first-served, no salvage requirement unless combined with APCD funding)
• Or through other state or federal programs (e.g. US EPA Clean School Bus Program).

Please note: not all funding sources allow “stacking” or combining with other funding sources; APCD will confirm eligibility to stack with other awards a school district has received before committing Program funds.