USA – Last month the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced USD 965 million in federal funding for clean school buses through the Clean School Bus Rebate Program. As part of the Biden-Harris administration's efforts under the Investing in America agenda, this funding will help replace older diesel school buses with electric and other low-emission alternatives. The goal is to reduce air pollution, improve public health and combat climate change. School districts can apply for rebates to fund up to USD 325,000 per bus, with a maximum of 50 buses per application. The program also covers infrastructure costs and training for bus drivers and maintenance personnel. Applications are open until January 9, 2025. The initiative builds on nearly USD 3 billion already invested into clean school buses, with over 8,700 buses funded to date. This funding is part of a broader USD 5 billion program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aiming to accelerate the transition to cleaner

This is welcome news for North American electric school bus manufacturers Blue Bird Corp, Thomas Built Buses Inc, Collins Bus Corporation, Lion Electric Co, Navistar International Corporation, GreenPower Motor Company Inc and Phoenix Motor Inc.