With all the buzz about electric vehicle (EV) integration, you may be torn between excitement for the future and uncertainty of what you can afford. This unease often stems from the price gap between diesel and electric school buses. But the truth is, through the right partnerships, there is quite a bit of funding available for electric school bus purchases with even more on the way. To help you navigate EV funding and financing opportunities, we put together a quick Q&A on some of the most common questions that we get asked.

• Are there enough funding options for me to consider buying an electric school bus?
  There are plenty of funding opportunities and incentives across the United States and Canada to support electric school bus purchases. In fact, some even cover charging infrastructure. Plus, while these opportunities often come in the form of government grants, utility provider funding, etc., some incentives are stackable. In other words, your fleet may qualify for not just one, but two or three subsidies.

• How can I locate funding opportunities?
  At Thomas Built Buses, our dealers use special tools to identify current and future funding and financing options within their states. Plus, as our captive funding arm, Daimler Truck Financial also works with customers to find creative solutions for electric school bus financing.With personalized funding, leasing and other options, Daimler Truck Financial helps customers maximize available funds and level out capital payments over time. In addition, through their municipal financing program, they help districts fund both electric buses and their charging infrastructure.

• Should I be exploring partnerships?
  Yes, partnerships are definitely worth exploration. Two potential partners that we can help you look into are local utility providers and charger manufacturers. Many utility companies are instituting new programs to help school districts fund complete charging infrastructures and/or charging components. Other utility companies are actually buying school buses for districts or giving grants for the purchase of buses or charging infrastructure. In addition, some charger manufacturers are offering notable financing options for charging equipment.

• How do I apply for EV funding?
  Upon identifying the grant or funding opportunity, our dealers can help with grant writing, the funding application process and/or pulling together other necessary resources.

For more information on electric school bus funding, please contact your local dealer or the Thomas Built Buses Electric Bus Authority.