Daily EV news · US · 23 January 2026
Electric Vehicles
Electric school buses maintain performance in New York cold weather trials
Spectrum News reports that electric school bus batteries are proving resilient during winter operations in New York state, demonstrating reliable performance despite cold weather conditions. The findings address a key concern for school districts evaluating electric vehicle adoption in northern climates. No specific performance figures or fleet size were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Cold weather battery performance is a critical procurement criterion for school districts and fleet operators in northern US states, where range anxiety and charging reliability can delay electrification tenders. Positive real world data from New York deployments may accelerate specification confidence and RFP activity in similar climates.
New York rural schools group calls electric bus mandate unfunded as Hochul proposes 1% aid rise
Governor Kathy Hochul's FY2027 budget proposes $39.3 billion in total school aid, a $1.6 billion increase, guaranteeing every district at least a 1% annual Foundation Aid rise. The Rural Schools Association of New York State warns that 1% falls short of 2.7% consumer inflation and rising costs including 10% retirement and 20% health care contributions, while the 2% tax cap limits local revenue. The group highlights the state's electric school bus mandate as unfunded, with no dedicated funding source or timeline provided in the budget.
Why it matters
Rural districts face a funding gap that may force programme cuts and layoffs, directly affecting their ability to finance mandated electric bus transitions. The absence of dedicated EV fleet funding in New York's budget signals procurement uncertainty for school bus charging infrastructure and vehicle suppliers targeting upstate markets.
Long Island school district joins electric school bus project
A school district on Long Island has joined an electric school bus initiative, according to Long Island Business News. The report does not specify the number of buses, funding details, or the district's name. The move adds to the growing adoption of electric school buses across the United States.
Why it matters
School districts represent a significant procurement segment for electric buses, with predictable routes and depot charging that suit battery electric vehicles. Each district adoption signals expanding demand for charging infrastructure and fleet electrification services.
Policy & Market
California's 200 million dollar EV rebate plan would cover only 20 per cent of last year's sales
Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a 200 million dollar fund to restart California's electric vehicle rebate scheme after federal incentives were withdrawn. CalMatters estimates the budget would cover rebates for roughly 20 per cent of the state's 2024 EV sales, assuming the previous Clean Vehicle Rebate Program model of up to 7,500 dollars per vehicle. The administration has not yet decided whether to cap eligibility by income or how quickly funds will reach buyers.
Why it matters
A limited rebate pool may fail to sustain EV adoption rates that underpin California's charging infrastructure rollout and procurement forecasts. Uncertainty over eligibility and timing complicates demand planning for charge point operators and equipment suppliers serving the state market.
US court permanently blocks federal freeze on $5 billion NEVI charging programme
A federal district judge in Washington has entered final judgment protecting the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme across all 50 states, ordering that $5 billion in funds be made available after the Department of Transportation illegally froze disbursements in February 2025. The NEVI programme, part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has already seen several charging stations open, with projects at various stages of completion nationwide.
Why it matters
The ruling secures continued federal funding for state EV charging buildouts, ensuring procurement pipelines remain active for charge point operators and contractors already working on NEVI projects. The permanent protection removes uncertainty for firms bidding on or delivering the remaining $5 billion in infrastructure work.