Where Electric Nation Meets Education
School Buses for the Next Seven Generations
Cleaner rides. Stronger communities. Tribal energy sovereignty in motion.
In 2026, Native Sun Community Power Development, in partnership with Electric Nation and the World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative, launched a new electric school bus initiative.
Electric Nation is expanding its reach by incorporating electric school buses (ESBs) into its initiative. This move aims to promote sustainable transportation options for students and reduce the environmental impact of school commutes.
By transitioning to electric buses, schools can contribute to cleaner air and a healthier planet, while also potentially lowering operating costs in the long run. They can also support their Tribal Nation’s energy sovereignty through the second life of ESB batteries, which reduce material use and provide energy storage to lower costs and meet emergency power needs.
This expansion is a key part of the transition to electric transportation and underscores our commitment to a sustainable Turtle Island.
Electric School
Bus Initiative
Collaborating to equitably
electrify the U.S. school bus fleet.
On this website, you will find information on funding and technical assistance opportunities relevant to Tribal Nations. You will find links to organizations you can contact to learn more about planning for electric school buses, acquiring them, and installing the appropriate charging infrastructure to run your electric school bus fleet.
Charged for Tomorrow: School Bus Electrification
Electric school buses support Tribal energy sovereignty when Tribal Nations control decisions about fleet planning, charging infrastructure, energy resources, utility relationships, battery use, and long-term community benefits. The initiative helps communities connect school transportation, energy infrastructure, and future investments in ways that reflect their own priorities and the needs of the next seven generations.
_edited.jpg)
Program Community Feature
The Red Lake Independent School District (ISD) celebrates how transportation empowers our youth. In an interview with Tim Lutz, we explore how school buses act as vital lifelines, enhancing education and community connections for students in the Red Lake Nation.
Discover how these initiatives are shaping tomorrow's leaders by viewing the News and Videos.
Overview of ESB Technology Basics and Planning.
How To Work With the Tribe’s Electric Utility To Install Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Operations and Maintenance for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Indian Country.
Getting Electric Vehicle Ready in Indian Country.
Navigating Common Electric Vehicle and Charging Infrastructure Concerns.
Buyer’s Guide
Power Planner for Electric School Bus Deployment.
Electric School Bus Market Study and Electric School Bus U.S. Buyer's Guide.
Funding Resources
Search for Funding Programs.
Federal and State Laws and Incentives.
Resources for Available Funding
_edited.png)
Research
Research and
Case Studies
Community Update:
How Cherokee Boys Club Is Using Electric School Buses to Deliver Clean Rides, Grid Support and Workforce Training
Native Electric: Powering the Future with Electric School Buses in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Tribal Nations Charge Ahead with Electric School Buses.
Building Resilience With Electric School Buses in Rural Oklahoma.
Strategic Pathways for Indigenous Resilient and Innovative Transportation A Guide to Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Tribes
Native Students Need Equitable Access to Clean Rides to School
How a Rural, Tribal School Electrified Their School Bus Fleet.
Who's Driving This Bus? A Culturally and Legally Informed Approach for Electrifying Student Transportation in Indian Country.
How North Carolina's Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is Planning for Seven Generations of Sustainability.
ESB Contact
Please feel free to reach out to us for more information by emailing us.
