The Maryland Electric School Bus Grant Program is administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) as a competitive funding opportunity to accelerate the transition of school transportation services from diesel to electric vehicles across the state. Established as part of the Moore-Miller administration’s broader commitment to environmental justice and clean energy goals, this initiative aims to enhance air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and deliver measurable health benefits for communities disproportionately affected by pollution. For Fiscal Year 2026, the program offers approximately $4.9 million in total funding drawn from a dedicated purpose account within the state budget under the Climate Solutions Now Act.
This grant is open to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and private school bus vendors operating on behalf of LEAs. Eligible applicants must procure new electric school buses intended for routine student transport and ensure they meet Maryland’s operational and domicile requirements. Retrofits, repowered buses, or those already funded by prior state grants are ineligible. Funding covers up to 120% of the incremental cost of qualified vehicles, with additional allowances for charging infrastructure and other project costs. Grant awards are capped at $1,000,000 per grantee, though this ceiling may be increased to $1,500,000 based on income qualifications and district size. Charging infrastructure funding is limited to 30% of the total project request.
Applicants must provide a detailed fleet profile, a budget narrative, project timeline, and documentation of partnerships. Priority will be given to projects that benefit Title I schools and communities experiencing economic challenges. A rigorous evaluation rubric is employed, emphasizing project feasibility, equity, environmental impact, and readiness. Funding is reimbursed based on actual costs, and indirect costs are not eligible. Grantees must track and report semi-annual operational metrics such as mileage, energy usage, and student transport counts for three years.
To apply, applicants must complete the designated Jotform application and submit accompanying documentation, including the Electric School Bus and Charging Infrastructure Summary Tables, vendor specifications, and optional support letters. The submission deadline is December 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. All applications and questions should be directed to MEA’s Transportation Program Manager via transportation.mea@maryland.gov or by calling 410-537-4071. Interested applicants are encouraged to participate in upcoming webinars and may request 1-on-1 meetings for technical assistance or application guidance.
This program operates as a one-time funding cycle for FY26, but given the broader state commitment to electric transportation, similar opportunities may be available in the future. The MEA emphasizes strategic planning, utility coordination, and community engagement to ensure successful deployment and lasting benefits for Maryland’s student population.
Focus on equity; plan charging infrastructure; include detailed fleet and budget data.
