EV Fleet: transit fleets

With set, return-to-base routes and fixed charging locations, transit agencies operating in California are well positioned to benefit from electrifying their fleet. Gains can include reduced operating costs, fewer instances of unscheduled maintenance and lower maintenance expenses. Plus, battery electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions so they eliminate exposure to the harmful diesel emissions and toxic fumes that diesel-fueled transit buses produce.

Additionally, transit fleets can take advantage of the growing number of electric bus offerings available from leading OEMs. By electrifying their fleet, transit agencies can get ahead of looming zero emission regulations such as California’s ICT Rule and demonstrate leadership by aligning with California’s climate goals.

The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) mandate calls for all California transit buses to be zero emission by 2040. Beginning in 2029, all new bus purchases by transit agencies must be zero-emission, including agencies that own, operate, or lease buses with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 lbs. With a combination of state and local grants, as well as partnerships with utilities including PG&E, transit fleets can make the transition to electric vehicles smoother and more cost-effective.

Transit fleets can take advantage of incentives available for both infrastructure and EV chargers.

Infrastructure incentives: A transit fleet can save between $4,000 and $9,000 in incentives per electric, up to 25 vehicles. A few examples include:

A large electric transit bus is eligible for an incentive up to $9,000.
A mid-sized electric shuttle bus is eligible for an incentive up to $4,000.

Charger rebates: Transit fleets are eligible for rebates up to 50% of the cost of an EV charger. The total amount will depend on power output of the charger.

Up to 50 kW is eligible for a rebate up to $15,000 per charger.
50.1 kW to 150 kW is eligible for a rebate up to $25,000 per charger.
150.1 kW and above is eligible for a rebate up to $42,000 per charger.

Fleets can select from a variety of EV charger configurations to fit their charging needs. See our approved product list, hosted by Southern California Edison – visit approved product list.

Yes, several state incentive and rebate programs can be stacked with EV Fleet. PG&E is closely coordinating with state and regional funding programs including the California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, and Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and others to help best co-fund the project.

For additional incentives available for transit fleets, download the summary of incentives.