Summary
– Blue Bird Corporation is debuting an electric-powered step van at the 2024 ACT Expo
– The prototype features a 140kWh Lithium-ion battery with a range of up to 130 miles on a single charge
– Blue Bird’s prototype is based on a 178″ wheelbase and features safety features not standard on comparable electric vehicles
– The company collaborated with Xos and Morgan Olson to manufacture the prototype
– The electric-powered stripped chassis is expected to be commercially available in late 2024, with Blue Bird being the leader in electric school buses in North America
Article
Blue Bird Corporation, a leader in electric and low-emission school buses, is set to debut its electric-powered step van at the 2024 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas. The company collaborated with Xos and Morgan Olson to manufacture the prototype, which features a 140kWh Lithium-ion battery providing a range of up to 130 miles on a single charge. The innovative vehicle platform maximizes vehicle payload while prioritizing safety, with features such as “hill hold” and “electric creep” to enhance driver protection and familiarity. The stripped chassis also offers best-in-class wheel cut for improved maneuverability in urban settings.
The partnership with Xos, a leading electric truck manufacturer, and Morgan Olson, a builder of work truck bodies, allows Blue Bird to incorporate industry-leading technology in its step van prototype. Xos provides the powertrain technology for the vehicle, while Morgan Olson is responsible for providing the body. The collaboration aims to offer customers a new chassis option that provides great value in the commercial vehicle market. Blue Bird anticipates that its electric-powered stripped chassis will be commercially available in late 2024, expanding its zero-emission transportation solutions to the commercial vehicle segment.
Blue Bird’s expertise in designing and manufacturing school buses has allowed the company to expand its electric-powered product range to the commercial vehicle market. The company’s long history in the industry has contributed to its ability to innovate and introduce groundbreaking technologies in the transportation sector. With more than 1,500 zero-emission school buses in operation today, Blue Bird is leading the way in clean transportation solutions. The company will also showcase its latest low- and zero-emission vehicle technologies at the ACT Expo, reinforcing its position as a clean transportation leader.
Blue Bird’s electric step van prototype is based on a 178″ wheelbase for last-mile delivery vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 23,000 pounds. The vehicle features a lightweight design and components to maximize payload capacity while ensuring vehicle safety. With the support of Xos’ powertrain technology and Morgan Olson’s work truck bodies, Blue Bird aims to offer a reliable, efficient, and innovative solution for commercial electric vehicles. The collaboration showcases the expertise of the industry-leading companies working together to provide customers with cutting-edge transportation options.
Blue Bird’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions and sustainable transportation is evident in its focus on low- and zero-emission vehicles. With a track record of more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses in operation, the company is dedicated to transforming the student transportation industry with cleaner energy alternatives. By expanding its electric-powered product range to include commercial vehicles, Blue Bird is further solidifying its position as a leader in clean transportation solutions. The company’s participation in the ACT Expo will allow it to showcase its latest technologies and innovations to a wide audience of industry professionals and stakeholders.
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