Blue Bird Showcases Zero- and Low-Emission Commercial Vehicles

Blue Bird Corporation showcased its latest zero- and ultra-low-emission commercial vehicle platforms at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, billed as North America’s largest advanced transportation technology event. The company presented both its electric step van and propane-powered stripped chassis at the industry event that took place from April 28–30 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Blue Bird’s Electric-Powered Step Van

Blue Bird’s electric-powered step van is based on its Class 5-6 stripped chassis. The step van features a 178-inch wheelbase for last-mile-delivery vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds.

The vehicle features a 140kWh Lithium-ion battery. The batteries are mounted inside the frame rails for superior battery protection. The battery pack supports a vehicle range of up to 130 miles on a single charge. It takes between one and 12 hours to fully recharge, depending on the charging infrastructure, noted company officials in a press release.

Blue Bird states that it offers several safety features on its electric-powered step van not standard on comparable electric vehicles to enhance driver protection and familiarity. This includes “hill hold,” which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward or forward when sitting stationary on a hill, and “electric creep,” which allows the vehicle to slowly start moving from a stop when the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal to simulate a gasoline engine in gear. In addition, both the electric- and propane-powered stripped chassis provide a 55-degree, best-in-class wheel cut to improve maneuverability in tight urban settings, noted the release.

Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Stripped Chassis

Blue Bird also presented its propane-powered stripped chassis based on a 208-inch wheelbase for medium- to long-range delivery vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds. The company says that it offers an industry first, OEM-installed propane powertrain featuring Ford’s proven 7.3L V-8 engine. Blue Bird utilizes lightweight materials and components for its vehicle platform, maximizing fuel efficiency and vehicle payload while continuing to prioritize vehicle safety.

Blue Bird built on its long-standing collaboration with Ford Motor Company and ROUSH CleanTech to develop the propane-powered Class 5-6 stripped chassis. ROUSH CleanTech integrates Ford’s compact, durable and easy-to-maintain 335-horsepower engine into a low-emission powertrain option for Blue Bird’s propane-powered commercial vehicle platform.

Blue Bird leverages ROUSH CleanTech’s ultra-low emission propane technology that has accumulated more than three billion miles with 3,000 fleets in North America, stated company officials.

Benefits for Commercial Fleets

Commercial vehicle fleet operators using electric- and propane-powered step vans stand to benefit from energy and maintenance cost savings compared to diesel vehicles, according to the press release.

“Blue Bird builds on its century-long expertise in school bus manufacturing and vehicle safety to expand its industry-leading zero- and low-emission transportation solutions to the commercial vehicle market,” said Andy Moore, director of commercial chassis at Blue Bird Corporation.

“Since 2012, we’ve had a shared goal with Blue Bird to lower emissions and reduce costs for fleets through proven propane technology,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer success at ROUSH CleanTech. “As a domestically produced fuel, propane is economical, abundant and reliable, offering immediate reductions in both costs and emissions without compromising performance.”

Blue Bird anticipates both its electric-powered and propane-powered stripped chassis to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2026.