Скачать или смотреть Picking Propane or Eyeing Electric? Alternative Fuel Options for Blue Bird Commercial Vans

Blue Bird may be known for yellow school buses, but at ACT Expo 2025, the company displayed something different: zero- and low-emission commercial vehicle options for last-mile delivery. In this episode of On The Road, we take a closer look at Blue Bird’s new Class 5 and 6 stripped chassis, designed specifically for step vans and walk-in vans, and why it’s catching attention from fleets looking to decarbonize without sacrificing range or payload.

We caught up with Andy Moore, Blue Bird’s Director of Commercial Chassis, to learn more about the two fuel options available to fleets. Customers can spec either a battery-electric or propane powertrain, depending on their operation’s needs. The electric chassis uses a 140-kWh battery system, targeting a range of 130 to 150 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, the propane variant uses a Ford 7.3L V8 and is EPA- and CARB-certified for near-zero emissions.

Built with commercial delivery fleets in mind, the chassis supports GVWR ratings between 16,000 and 23,000 lbs. It’s also designed for common wheelbase and body configurations, making integration easier for step van body manufacturers. Moore says that Blue Bird is already collaborating with key upfitters and testing units in the field with customers.