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Blue Bird Corporation has introduced its latest innovation, an electric-powered step van, at the 2024 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. This event, renowned as North America’s largest advanced transportation technology and clean fleet expo, is the perfect platform for Blue Bird to showcase its new zero-emission vehicle. The prototype, developed in collaboration with Xos and Morgan Olson, underscores Blue Bird’s commitment to expanding its zero-emission solutions to the commercial vehicle market.
Key Highlights:
- Vehicle Debut: Blue Bird’s electric step van was unveiled at the 2024 ACT Expo in Las Vegas.
- Collaboration: The prototype is a result of a partnership between Blue Bird, Xos, and Morgan Olson.
- Battery and Range: Equipped with a 140kWh Lithium-ion battery, the vehicle can cover up to 130 miles on a single charge.
- Safety Features: The van includes advanced safety features like “hill hold” and “electric creep.”
- Market Entry: The electric-powered stripped chassis is expected to be commercially available by late 2024.
Building on its long-standing expertise in school bus manufacturing, Blue Bird is leveraging its technological prowess to venture into the commercial vehicle sector. The new step van, designed for last-mile delivery, features a 140kWh Lithium-ion battery mounted inside the frame rails for superior protection. This battery configuration provides a range of up to 130 miles on a single charge, with recharge times varying between one and twelve hours depending on the charging infrastructure.
The prototype is based on a 178” wheelbase and has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds. By utilizing lightweight materials, Blue Bird maximizes payload capacity while ensuring safety. The van also boasts unique safety features not typically found in comparable electric vehicles, such as “hill hold” and “electric creep,” enhancing driver protection and vehicle control.
“In 2022, Blue Bird introduced its EV commercial chassis concept vehicle at ACT Expo,” stated Britton Smith, president of Blue Bird Corporation. “This week, we will debut the operating prototype of our electric-powered step van at the 2024 ACT Expo that’s based on industry-leading EV technology. For nearly a century, Blue Bird has perfected its core capabilities of designing, engineering, and manufacturing school buses from the ground up. Now we are one step closer to applying our world-class vehicle manufacturing expertise and expanding our electric-powered product range to the commercial vehicle market.”
Partnering with Xos, a leader in electric truck manufacturing and fleet electrification services, Blue Bird integrates Xos’s powertrain technology into the step van. Morgan Olson, known for its durable work truck bodies, contributes to the vehicle’s design, enhancing its practicality for commercial use.
“We are honored that Blue Bird has chosen to entrust Xos with the technology to power its electric step van prototype,” said Dakota Semler, CEO of Xos. “This collaboration is a testament to the reliability, efficiency, and innovation that Xos brings to the forefront of the commercial electric vehicle market.”
“We at Morgan Olson are looking forward to a productive collaboration with Blue Bird and Xos on the development of this step van prototype,” added Mike Ownbey, president and CEO of Morgan Olson. “By combining the expertise of our industry-leading companies, we are confident that we can offer our existing and new step van customers a new chassis option that provides great value in the commercial vehicle market.”
Anticipating a commercial launch in late 2024, Blue Bird aims to bring its electric-powered stripped chassis to market, expanding its influence in the zero-emission commercial vehicle sector. Blue Bird, the leading manufacturer of electric school buses in North America, continues to pioneer clean transportation solutions, with over 1,500 zero-emission school buses in operation today.
At the ACT Expo, Blue Bird also showcased its latest low- and zero-emission vehicle technologies, reinforcing its position as a leader in clean transportation with over 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses currently in service. The ACT Expo runs from May 20-23, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
For more information on Blue Bird, visit their website at www.blue-bird.com. To learn more about Xos and Morgan Olson, visit www.xostrucks.com and https://morganolson.com, respectively.
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