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Blue Bird Corporation, a leader in electric and low-emission school buses, recently showcased its latest innovations at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Held from April 28-30, 2025, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, this event is North America’s largest gathering for advanced transportation technology. At booth 5488, Blue Bird displayed two new commercial vehicle platforms: an electric-powered step van and a propane-powered stripped chassis. These vehicles highlight Blue Bird’s expansion into the commercial market, drawing on its 100 years of expertise in school bus manufacturing and safety.
Key Highlights:
- Electric Step Van: Equipped with a 140kWh lithium-ion battery, offering up to 130 miles of range on a single charge. Includes safety features like “hill hold” and “electric creep” for better driver protection.
- Propane-Powered Chassis: Features an industry-first OEM-installed propane powertrain with Ford’s 7.3L V8 engine, designed for medium to long-range delivery vehicles. Uses lightweight materials for improved fuel efficiency.
- Availability: Both vehicles are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The electric step van, built on Blue Bird’s Class 5-6 stripped chassis, is designed for last-mile delivery with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 23,000 pounds. Its 178-inch wheelbase and battery, safely mounted inside the frame rails, support a range of up to 130 miles. Charging takes between one and twelve hours, depending on the setup. Safety features like “hill hold” prevent rolling on hills, while “electric creep” mimics a gasoline engine’s gradual start. A 55-degree wheel cut enhances maneuverability in cities.
The propane-powered stripped chassis, with a 208-inch wheelbase, targets medium to long-range delivery. It features a propane powertrain with Ford’s 7.3L V8 engine, integrated by ROUSH CleanTech. Lightweight materials boost fuel efficiency and payload capacity while keeping safety first. This builds on Blue Bird’s partnerships with Ford and ROUSH, whose propane tech has logged over three billion miles across 3,000 fleets.
Andy Moore, Blue Bird’s Director of Commercial Chassis, noted the company’s focus on clean solutions: “We’re excited to show fleet operators how our electric and propane vehicles can cut costs and boost efficiency.” Compared to diesel, these options promise lower energy and maintenance costs.
Todd Mouw from ROUSH CleanTech praised propane’s benefits: “It’s affordable, abundant, and cuts emissions without sacrificing performance.”
Both vehicles are set to be available in Q1 2026. Blue Bird, the only U.S.-owned school bus maker, has sold over 25,000 clean-energy buses, supporting 2,000 U.S. jobs and a greener future.
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