$54 million funding available
Pilot an electric school bus risk-free.
The Utah Division of Air Quality (UDAQ) offers public school districts a fully funded opportunity to modernize their fleets. Test the technology on your local routes without impacting your budget.
Benefits of switching
Why districts across Utah are making the move.
Annual savings
Districts save an estimated $6,500 per year per bus in fuel and maintenance costs. Shield your budget from volatile diesel fuel prices.
Student health
Zero tailpipe emissions where students gather. Reduces exposure to pollutants linked to asthma and cognitive development issues.
Operational resilience
Proven performance in Utah terrain. V2G-capable chargers allow buses to serve as mobile power backups during outages.
Choose your funding
We have simplified the federal grants (CPRG & CHDV) into two distinct paths based on your district’s readiness. Select an option to see the requirements.
RISK-FREE OPPORTUNITY
Single-bus pilot
Designed for first-time adopters. Test the technology without dipping into your capital budget.
Cost share: NO COST SHARE
Scrappage rules: NONE. Keep your existing fleet intact
Funding cap: Up to $405,000 per bus + infrastructure and related costs for utility upgrades
No vehicle requirement: Your preferred manufacturer, size, and type
Who is eligible: Public school districts within the State of Utah
Support: Funding can be used for site prep and technical training within the per-bus cap
Funding coverage
Designed to cover 100% of cost
Note: Powered by the CPRG implementation grant.
10+ buses, 1
Fleet modernization
Designed for districts ready to scale (10+ buses). Requires fleet modernization commitments.
Cost share: ~25% cost share required
Scrappage rules: REQUIRED. Must retire older Class 6-7 diesel or internal combustion engine vehicle buses (1:1)
Funding cap: Up to $300,000 per bus (ADA compliant). $280,000 for non-ADA compliant. Up to $7,000 per level 2 charger.
Vehicle requirement: Electric buses must be a Class 6-7 bus
Who is eligible: Public school districts within the State of Utah
Support: Includes dedicated funding for driver and mechanic technical certifications
Funding coverage
District covers remaining ~25%
Note: Powered by the CHDV grant.
ALTERNATIVE FUEL OPTIONS
Not ready for electric?
We also administer the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program. If electric isn’t right for your route, you can still get funding to replace older diesel buses (MY 2009 or older) with cleaner diesel, CNG, or Propane models.
- Funding up to 25-35% of vehicle cost.
- Requires scrappage of old diesel bus.
- Proven technology for extremely long rural routes.
Cleaner diesel / CNG
Available for Class 5-8 replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save my application and return later?
Yes. The grant portal allows you to save your progress. You will need to create an account to begin.
When will I be notified of an award?
Awards are reviewed on a rolling basis. Typically, you will receive a notice of award within 30-45 days of submission.
Do I need a quote from a bus dealer to apply?
Yes. You must upload a preliminary quote from a vendor to verify your funding request amount.
Contact us for support
Bekah Ashley
Clean School Bus Program Manager
(385) 867-7809
[email protected]