Alternative Fuels

 

 

Experience

Blue Bird Bus Sales has the most up-to-date knowledge when it comes to alternative fuel solutions: via in-depth training sessions and hands-on experience, our sales and service team are experts on the fuel systems that power our Propane Autogas buses.

Strong Partnerships
With strong partners such as Ford, ROUSH CleanTech, ADOMANI, EDI and Cummins, our alternative fuel solutions continue to prove to be the best products available in the market today.

Alternative Fuels are Safe
Blue Bird doesn’t cut corners when it comes to safety. Safety is, and always will be, the number one priority when we build your school buses. Our alternative fuel solutions are all proven to be safe- not just in operation, but also for the air that our children breathe every day.

Propane

With over 12,000 Blue Bird Propane Buses built, Blue Bird is the number one producer of propane buses in the industry. In fact, Blue Bird has produced more alternative fuel buses than all of our competitors combined!

  • Propane autogas is safe for children and the environment.
    • Propane is non-toxic and non-poisonous. It poses no harm to groundwater, surface water, or soil. It does not spill, pool or leave any residue when released, but dissipates into the air.
  • In its natural state, propane autogas is virtually odorless and colorless
    • In its natural form, propane has no scent, but a scent has been added (ethyl mercaptan) and is necessary to alert you that there is gas in the air. You will not smell propane as you drive down the road in this bus, unless there is a leak. This is for your safety.
  • Propane autogas does not ignite easily.
    • Because it is released from a pressured container as a vapor, propane autogas can’t be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels. To put it simply, igniting propane gas in the air calls for very specific things to occur. The mixture of propane/air must contain 2.2 percent to 9.6 percent propane vapor. Any more, or any less than that, and the propane will not ignite. Plus, the source of ignition must reach 940 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, gasoline will ignite at only 430 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The fuel tanks used to house propane autogas are incredibly durable and thick.
    • Propane autogas fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture-resistant than typical diesel or gasoline tanks. They are made from carbon steel, include vapor-tight enclosures around all lines and fittings, and are manufactured with an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) that ensures the fuel volume will be able to adjust with temperature variations. There is also a pressure release device in every tank should the pressure rise beyond safe levels.
  • The propane autogas engine fuel system is built with safety in mind.
    • Our buses’ engine systems are fitted with safety devices and shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel line ruptures, and all lines and hoses are protected to prevent damage from loose cargo which could be encountered in the vehicle interior.
  • The propane autogas tank mounting system is strong and secure.
    • Even in 20g frontal impact, or 8g side or rear impact (which is twice the requirement specified in NFPA58), the propane tank will remain securely in place. It is also mounted between Blue Bird’s durable frame rails, which creates additional safety.
  • Fueling is safe and easy.
    • Propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas, making it safe and economical to store and transport. Wearing gloves and goggles is recommended when refueling (which is also recommended for CNG, diesel and gasoline fueling).

Gasoline

In the school bus industry, gasoline fuel is considered an alternative fuel (alternative to diesel). Blue Bird’s popular Vision Gasoline buses are taking the industry by storm, with over 4,000 sold since 2016. Districts looking for a safe, easy option for alternatives to diesel are looking to gasoline as their bus of choice.

Electric

Blue Bird was first to market electric school buses in 1994. With advances in battery technology, we can now offer efficient and affordable electric-powered buses. Our All American RE Electric bus and Vision Electric bus has the same, reliable body structure of our other rear engine bus offerings, and is powered by the ADOMANI/EDI Drivetrain system. This system has been proven in multiple applications, with over 25 million miles of drive time.