Blue Bird Corporation Showcases Advanced Zero- and Low-Emission Commercial Vehicles at Work Truck Week 2025
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), a pioneering force in electric and low-emission school buses, is set to showcase its latest breakthroughs in zero- and ultra-low-emission commercial vehicle technology at Work Truck Week 2025 (WTW25). The company will unveil its cutting-edge propane-powered Class 5-6 stripped chassis and provide attendees with an exclusive opportunity to experience its state-of-the-art electric step van at the event’s Ride & Drive.
WTW25 will be held from March 4–7, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Blue Bird’s advancements in commercial vehicle sustainability reflect its ongoing commitment to providing cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions for the future.
Revolutionizing Commercial Transportation with Propane Power
As a leader in alternative fuel technologies, Blue Bird is introducing its latest propane-powered stripped chassis. Designed with a 208-inch wheelbase, this vehicle platform is tailored for medium- to long-range delivery vehicles, boasting an impressive gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds.
By utilizing lightweight materials and innovative engineering, Blue Bird enhances fuel efficiency while maximizing payload capacity. The company has collaborated with Ford Component Sales and ROUSH CleanTech to integrate a 7.3L V8 Ford engine, a proven powertrain known for its durability and performance. ROUSH CleanTech further refines this system by incorporating Ford’s 335-horsepower engine into an optimized low-emission propane powertrain.
The propane-powered stripped chassis will be prominently displayed at ROUSH CleanTech’s booth (553) at WTW25, allowing attendees to witness its innovative design and potential applications in commercial fleet operations.
Electric-Powered Step Van: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Urban Delivery
Blue Bird is also showcasing its electric-powered step van, a vehicle designed to meet the growing demand for zero-emission last-mile delivery solutions. Based on its revolutionary Class 5-6 stripped chassis, the step van features a 178-inch wheelbase and supports a GVWR of up to 23,000 pounds.
The 140kWh lithium-ion battery provides a driving range of up to 130 miles per charge, offering a viable solution for urban fleet operations. To ensure superior battery protection, the battery pack is securely mounted inside the frame rails. Charging time varies from one to twelve hours, depending on the charging infrastructure used.
One of the defining aspects of Blue Bird’s electric step van is the inclusion of safety features not commonly found in comparable electric vehicles. These enhancements include:
- Hill Hold: Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward or forward when stationary on a hill.
- Electric Creep Mode: Simulates the behavior of an idling gasoline engine, allowing the vehicle to move forward slightly when the driver releases the brake.
- Best-in-Class Maneuverability: A 55-degree wheel cut facilitates effortless navigation through congested urban environments.
WTW25 attendees will have the opportunity to test drive this cutting-edge vehicle at the Ride & Drive event on March 5–6, 2025, from 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET.
For additional details on Blue Bird’s technological advancements and commercial vehicle solutions, visitors can explore booth 571 at the event.
A Visionary Approach to Clean Commercial Transportation
Blue Bird Corporation has spent nearly a century refining its expertise in school bus manufacturing. Now, the company is expanding its influence in the zero- and low-emission commercial vehicle sector.
“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.”
Fleets incorporating electric and propane-powered step vans can experience significant energy and maintenance cost reductions compared to traditional diesel models.
Todd Mouw, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success at ROUSH CleanTech, emphasized the impact of their partnership with Blue Bird:
“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, which has accumulated 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.”
Blue Bird anticipates that its electric-powered stripped chassis will be commercially available in the first quarter of 2026, with the propane-powered stripped chassis following in the second quarter of 2026.
Sustaining American Jobs through Clean Transportation
As the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer, Blue Bird takes pride in leading the charge toward clean transportation solutions. The company has already sold more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses, helping schools and businesses transition to sustainable alternatives.
With manufacturing facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia, Blue Bird’s shift to clean transportation is instrumental in supporting approximately 2,000 well-paying American jobs while strengthening the nation’s green energy sector.
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) has been a pioneer in school bus manufacturing since 1927. The company’s commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation has made it a trusted name in student transportation, carrying over 25 million children daily. As a recognized leader in low- and zero-emission school buses, Blue Bird has sold more than 25,000 alternative fuel buses, transforming the industry with cleaner energy solutions.
For more information about Blue Bird’s full range of products and services, visit www.blue-bird.com.
About ROUSH CleanTech
ROUSH CleanTech, a division of Roush Enterprises, specializes in advanced clean transportation solutions. The company has established itself as a market leader in propane autogas technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses. With over 50,000 vehicles in operation, ROUSH CleanTech continues to provide economical, emissions-reducing solutions for fleets across North America.
Blue Bird’s presence at Work Truck Week 2025 marks a significant step forward in the evolution of clean commercial transportation. By offering both electric and propane-powered vehicle platforms, the company is equipping fleets with the tools they need to transition toward a more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective future.