zero- and ultra-low emission commercial vehicle solutions at Work Truck Week 2025
Blue Bird Corporation a pioneer in electric and low-emission school buses, is set to showcase its latest advancements in zero- and ultra-low emission commercial vehicle solutions at Work Truck Week 2025 (WTW25). The company will introduce its groundbreaking propane-powered Class 5-6 stripped chassis, as well as its cutting-edge electric step van, offering fleet operators viable, sustainable alternatives for their transportation needs. WTW25 will take place from March 4–7, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Stripped Chassis: Innovation in Low-Emission Transportation
One of the key highlights of Blue Bird’s showcase is its newly developed propane-powered stripped chassis. Designed with a 208-inch wheelbase, the chassis is ideal for medium- to long-range delivery vehicles, offering a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds. Blue Bird has meticulously designed this platform to balance weight, efficiency, and safety. By utilizing lightweight materials and components, the company ensures optimized fuel efficiency and increased vehicle payload capacity.
The new propane-powered chassis builds upon Blue Bird’s long-standing collaboration with Ford Component Sales and ROUSH CleanTech. The vehicle platform features Ford’s reliable 7.3L V8 engine, which generates 335 horsepower and provides a durable, easy-to-maintain solution for commercial fleet operators. ROUSH CleanTech has integrated Ford’s engine into an advanced, low-emission propane-powered system, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly powertrain option. Fleet operators looking for a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional diesel engines will find this propane-powered solution appealing.
Visitors at WTW25 can explore Blue Bird’s propane-powered stripped chassis at the ROUSH CleanTech booth (booth 553), where experts will be available to discuss the benefits and specifications of this cutting-edge vehicle platform.
Electric-Powered Step Van: A Step Toward a Zero-Emission Future
In addition to its propane-powered innovation, Blue Bird will also present an electric-powered step van based on its Class 5-6 stripped chassis. Designed for last-mile delivery services, the step van features a 178-inch wheelbase and a GVWR of up to 23,000 pounds. The showcased model is equipped with a 140kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering a driving range of up to 130 miles on a single charge. The batteries are strategically mounted within the frame rails to ensure superior protection and safety.
Charging flexibility is a key advantage of the electric step van, as it can be fully recharged within one to twelve hours, depending on the available charging infrastructure. This adaptability ensures minimal downtime and maximizes operational efficiency for fleet operators transitioning to electric vehicles.
To enhance driver safety and vehicle usability, Blue Bird has incorporated several advanced features into its electric-powered step van. Notably, the vehicle includes:
- Hill Hold: Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward or forward when stationary on an incline, improving safety during stops on steep roads.
- Electric Creep: Simulates the movement of an internal combustion engine in gear by allowing the vehicle to move forward slowly when the driver releases the brake pedal. This feature enhances driver familiarity and ease of operation.
- Best-in-Class Maneuverability: Both the electric and propane-powered stripped chassis offer a 55-degree wheel cut, improving navigation in congested urban environments and tight spaces.
Attendees at WTW25 will have the opportunity to experience Blue Bird’s electric-powered step van firsthand during the Ride & Drive event, scheduled for March 5–6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET.
Blue Bird’s Leadership in Clean Transportation
Blue Bird has long been recognized as a leader in clean and efficient transportation solutions. With a nearly century-long history in school bus manufacturing, the company is leveraging its expertise to expand into the commercial vehicle market. Blue Bird’s focus on zero- and low-emission solutions is a response to the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives in fleet operations.
“Blue Bird builds on its nearly century-long expertise in school bus manufacturing to expand its zero- and low-emission transportation solutions to the commercial vehicle market,” said Tim Gordon, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Blue Bird Corporation. “We are thrilled to present our advanced electric- and propane-powered vehicle platforms at Work Truck Week 2025 to help our customers improve vehicle fleet efficiency and cost.”
Fleet operators stand to gain significant advantages by adopting Blue Bird’s electric- and propane-powered step vans. Compared to traditional diesel vehicles, these sustainable options offer reduced fuel costs, lower maintenance expenses, and improved operational efficiency.
Todd Mouw, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success at ROUSH CleanTech, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to clean energy solutions: “Our longstanding partnership with Blue Bird highlights our dedication to delivering clean, efficient, and sustainable propane autogas solutions for fleets. By leveraging ROUSH CleanTech’s proven propane technology—accumulating more than three billion miles with 3,000 fleets—we’re revolutionizing the commercial sector with reliable, low-emission step vans that reduce operating costs without compromising performance.
