US zero-emission bus fleet reaches 8,000 vehicles as federal policy shifts to allow low-emission alternatives
By Eve
More than 8,000 full-size battery and fuel-cell electric buses are now in use or on order across the United States, according to Calstart data through July 2025. California leads adoption with 2,623 vehicles, followed by New York, Washington and Florida. A July 2025 federal policy revision now permits grant recipients under the Federal Transit Administration's Low or No Emission and Buses and Bus Facilities programmes to switch proposals from zero-emission to low-emission options, including hybrid-electric, propane or compressed natural gas buses.
Why it matters: The policy shift introduces uncertainty for transit agencies planning zero-emission procurements, while stable state-level funding and voucher programmes become critical to maintaining deployment momentum. Operators and charging infrastructure providers should monitor state-by-state incentive structures, particularly in California, Washington, Indiana and Wisconsin, where ZEB additions have been strongest.