Electric school bus adoption continues across the U.S., with school districts and transportation providers advancing fleet deployments, securing state funding, and investing in charging infrastructure.

Recent developments include 10 new electric buses in Michigan, additional electric school bus funding in Minnesota, the reopening of California's zero-emission school bus incentive program, and a fully electric fleet with bidirectional charging capabilities in Connecticut.

Here's a look at the latest alternative-fuel developments in school bus news.

Minnesota Expands Electric School Bus and Solar Investments

Minnesota has awarded nearly $8.8 million in grants to 10 school districts since 2023 to help purchase 23 electric school buses, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The funding also supports charging equipment and other infrastructure needed to operate the electric buses.

The investments are part of the state's efforts to expand clean-energy infrastructure at schools. Minnesota is expected to reach its 400th solar-powered school by the end of 2026, more than doubling the approximately 190 schools with solar installations before the state's Solar for Schools program launched in January 2022.

Since the program began, the state has awarded or reserved nearly $32.6 million for school solar projects, representing approximately 25 megawatts of generating capacity. State officials estimate the participating schools could save $46 million in electricity costs over 20 years.

Interest in the program continues, with 27 schools submitting full applications in 2026. The next application deadline is January 11, 2027, with grant recipients expected to be announced by the end of February.

Kent ISD Adds 10 Electric School Buses in Michigan

Kent Intermediate School District (ISD) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has introduced 10 electric school buses for the 2026-27 school year through a partnership with Dean Transportation.

The project received $4.4 million in combined grant funding, including $2.1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and $2.3 million from the State of Michigan.

Dean Transportation applied for the grants on behalf of Kent ISD and coordinated the installation of charging infrastructure to support the new buses.

“We are excited to have these new, electric buses to transport our students and drive us into the future,” said Dr. Ron Gorman, superintendent of Kent ISD. “This cutting-edge technology is made possible through partnerships and with support from our community, national and state leadership.”

With the addition of Kent ISD's buses, Dean Transportation operates 37 electric school buses across Michigan and plans to increase that number to 45 by the end of 2026.

California Reopens $55 Million Zero-Emission School Bus Incentive Program

California has reopened its Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) incentive program, making at least $55 million available to help eligible schools purchase zero-emission school buses and support charging infrastructure.

The application period opened November 3, 2026, with funding prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible applicants.

Approved recipients will also be eligible for up to $40,000 in additional funding per zero-emission school bus included in their applications. The additional incentive is intended to offset higher vehicle procurement costs following the elimination of the federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit and the implementation of federal tariffs.

"The public asked for more funding to spur ZE school bus adoption in areas affected by transportation-related air pollution, and CARB and the California Energy Commission put that request to work,” said Rachel Chard, senior director of bus programs at Catalyst Mobility. “This new round of ZESBI funding, alongside the extra $40,000 funding opportunity, reinforces our partnership's lasting commitment to delivering clean transportation technologies to communities disproportionately impacted by poor air quality.”

Eligible schools must create an account through the ZESBI application portal to apply. The program requires incentive recipients to request one charger for every zero-emission school bus included in their application.

Connecticut Finances First Fully Electric School Bus Fleet With V2G Capabilities

The Connecticut Green Bank has closed $11.3 million in financing with Zum Services Inc. to support 46 electric school buses, 49 vehicle-to-grid (V2G)-capable chargers, and related electrical infrastructure for Branford Public Schools.

The project is Connecticut's first fully electric school bus fleet and, according to the Green Bank, the largest fully electric school district fleet with V2G capability in the Northeast. The buses began entering service during the 2026-27 school year.

The financing supports bus purchases, bidirectional charging equipment, and electrical infrastructure at Zum's Branford bus yard. The V2G-capable chargers are designed to eventually allow buses to send stored electricity back to the grid during periods of high demand. Connecticut regulators have also proposed allowing commercial bidirectional charging systems to participate in the state's Energy Storage Solutions Program beginning in 2027.

“This project represents a long-term collaboration between Branford Public Schools, Zum, and the Green Bank,” said Kevin Moss, senior manager of clean transportation at the Green Bank. “All parties have aligned on a ‘braided financing’ approach that combines grant funds with low-cost financing to deliver this innovative and impactful project that delivers budget savings for Branford Public Schools. Zum’s commitment to deploying electric school buses with V2G charging infrastructure has accelerated opportunities for electric school buses to not only serve as an emissions-free ride to school, but also as a grid resilience technology that will benefit all Connecticut communities.”

The Green Bank also plans to launch a Green Liberty Note offering in early 2027, allowing Connecticut residents and other investors to support the project. Investors will have the option to direct some or all of their interest earnings to a local partner organization.