The transition to zero-emission transit buses (ZEBs) in the U.S. continues to gain momentum despite industry headwinds, such as lingering supply chain issues and a smaller manufacturing pool for transit vehicles, as stated in CALSTART’s updated annual "Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Buses" report. 

The research provides timely insight on the number of awarded, ordered, delivered, or operational ZEBs within the U.S. If this pace continues, the country is on track to surpass 15,000 full-size ZEBs by 2030.

Report Finds ZEB Adoption Growth

CALSTART works closely with transit agencies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to support the progress toward decarbonization and a more sustainable future for transportation. 

Data from CALSTART’s report shows:

• Full-size ZEB adoptions have grown to 7,028 as of July 2024 — an increase of 14% from the previous 2023 count.

• Battery-electric buses remain the dominant bus type with 6,453 either awarded, ordered, delivered, or in operation, while fuel cell electric buses saw a 55% growth from 2023, reaching a total of 575 nationwide.

• The adoption of small ZEBs is also expanding, with deployments in public transit fleets increasing by 25%, private fleets by 13%, and university fleets by 121%.

“Despite industry challenges, we’ve seen a 14% increase in full-size zero-emission bus deployments over the past year, demonstrating resilience and progress toward a zero-emission future,” said Mike Hynes, deputy director, transit, for CALSTART. “It is only with strong federal and state support that we can build on this momentum and continue.” 

Fed Investments, State Leadership

In 2024, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded nearly $1.5 billion in funding through the Low and No Emission (Low No) Program and the Grants for Bus and Bus Facilities Program, which supported:

• Nearly 600 new ZEBs (48% of buses awarded under the program).

• Crucial charging and fueling infrastructure projects across 47 states and territories.

While federal funding remains a critical piece of the puzzle, state-led initiatives are proving essential in sustaining ZEB adoption. The leaders in full-size ZEBs include:

• California (2,285)

• New York (779)

• Florida (516)

• Washington (356)

• Massachusetts (292)

Programs like California’s Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) and New York’s Truck Voucher Incentive Program (NYTVIP) are helping offset vehicle costs and accelerate adoption. 

Many transit agencies are also adopting joint procurement models to streamline purchasing and reduce costs, further strengthening the market.