For decades, Blue Bird has been synonymous with its lineup of school buses, including its battery-electric bus.
However, the Georgia-based company felt it necessary to expand its offerings with the introduction of a battery-electric, Class 5 and 6 step van.
[Related: Blue Bird gets $80 million grant for EV manufacturing]
Making its live debut at the 2025 ACT Expo, the battery-powered step van boasts a a GVWR of up to 23,000 pounds and a 140 kWh lithium-ion battery that enables a maximum 130-mile range on a single charge, which is ideal for last-mile deliveries.
The OEM claims a full recharge takes between one to 12 hours, depending on the infrastructure.
Clean Trucking's exclusive ACT Expo video interview with Andy Moore, director of commercial chassis at Blue Bird Corporation, is coming soon and it's packed with additional information regarding the new BEV step van you'll want to know about.
Blue Bird's entry into the expanding EV step van market is significant. Clean Trucking
Some of the van's most notable features are related to safety. For example, there's the "hill hold" function that prevents the van from rolling backward or forward when parked stationary on a hill. The "electric creep" feature allows for the van to slowly start moving from a standstill once the driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal. Blue Bird claims this simulates a gasoline engine in gear.
Maneuverability, especially in close urban settings, is improved thanks to the chassis' 55-degree, best-in-class wheel cut.
Also making its debut at the event is a propane-powered stripped chassis based on a 208-inch wheelbase. Like the BEV version, it has a maximum 23,000-pound GVWR. But perhaps its most interesting feature is an industry-first, Blue Bird-installed propane powertrain with Ford's 7.3-liter V8 combustion engine with 335 horsepower. Blue Bird joined forces with ROUSH Clean Tech to integrate the engine for its platform.
“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,” added Moore. “We are excited to connect with commercial vehicle fleet operators at ACT Expo and to discuss how our advanced electric- and propane-powered vehicle platforms can help them improve vehicle fleet efficiency and cost."
