Gov. Kathy Hochul this week announced $100 million for school districts buying zero-emission buses as part of the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act approved last year.

All school buses on the road need to be zero-emissions by 2035, but all new buses must be purchased by 2027. 

“Clean school buses mean healthier students and healthier communities,” said Adam Ruder, director for clean transportation at the state Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

He acknowledges getting there in just over 10 years is an ambitious goal, but said NYSERDA and other state agencies can help.

“Looking at each element of the process to help educate districts on what has to happen, as well as technical assistance funding to help each district come up with a plan," he said.

But state education and transportation leaders say they still see significant challenges.

David Christopher, who leads the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, said companies that supply electric buses have developed a well-performing product, and while he supports the overall mission, it’s important to remember garages need to be retrofitted and adapted to ensure adequate charging facilities are provided.

“The infrastructure is not ready for this transition, we believe, in the timeframe of the mandate we are required to meet,” Christopher said. “Each of those operations have to be evaluated on their own merit and designed to handle the needs of bus fleets that might be five or 10 buses, or 200 to 300 buses."

Greg Berck, assistant director of governmental relations at the New York Council of School Superintendents, is encouraging more research when it comes to how buses will handle New York winters.

“The bus may be able to complete a route in September in 70-degree weather, but will not be able to complete it in February with the reality of batteries,” he said.

Ruder stressed it's early in the process and they are committed to working with districts as they familiarize themselves with the technology. He said they are committed to conducting additional research on performance and limitations, and he feels the process will go smoother than some are expecting.

“As schools get experience with these buses, they figure out how they work, how they fit into their operations, and that this is a viable technology that is only going to get better over the next decade,” he said.

As for concerns about charging infrastructure, NYSERDA says there are incentives to help, but referred questions about facilities funding to the state Education Department, which did not provide a response.