What’s Inside New York’s 2025 Zero Emission School Bus Report
New York’s push to transition every school bus to zero emission by 2035 is starting to take shape, and this year’s statewide progress report shows how districts are preparing for the shift. The rollout is still in the early stages, but momentum is building. Here is what readers will find inside the report:
- The statewide mandate is set. All buses must be zero emission by 2035, and any new buses purchased after 2027 must follow the rule.
- Current adoption is low. Electric buses make up less than one percent of active fleets, but more districts are placing orders and building plans.
- Most districts are engaged. Ninety percent responded to the survey and more than three quarters have already begun planning their transition.
- Infrastructure remains the biggest challenge. Many districts still need electrical upgrades, charging stations or full facility changes before buses can be added.
- Costs are a major concern. Districts are applying for state, federal and utility funding, yet the high upfront investment continues to slow progress.
- Voter approval is limited. Only a small number of districts have brought zero emission proposals to the ballot, but most that did were approved.
- Workforce preparation is still developing. Many districts are working on plans to train mechanics, drivers and support staff for new technology.
- Rural districts face extra obstacles, including long routes, cold weather and terrain that can strain battery performance.
- Early adopters are seeing positive results. Districts that already have electric buses report good performance and lower operating costs.
- The movement is clearly growing. Each year brings more planning, more charging infrastructure and more buses on order.
