MACON, Ga. – Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, showcases its latest zero- and ultra-low emission commercial vehicle platforms at the upcoming 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, North America’s largest advanced transportation technology event. The company presents both its groundbreaking electric step van and propane-powered stripped chassis at the industry event from April 28-30, 2025, at the Anaheim Convention Center booth 5488, in Anaheim, Ca.

Blue Bird showcases an electric-powered step van based on its groundbreaking Class 5-6 stripped chassis at the 2025 ACT Expo. 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 on display 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 twelve hours to fully recharge depending on the charging infrastructure.

Blue Bird 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 55-degree, best-in-class wheel cut to improve maneuverability in tight urban settings.

Blue Bird also presents 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 offers an industry first, OEM-installed propane powertrain featuring Ford’s proven 7.3L V8 engine. Blue Bird utilizes lightweight materials and components for its innovative 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 proven, ultra-low emission propane technology that has accumulated more than three billion miles with 3,000 fleets in North America.

Blue Bird Leadership
“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. “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.”

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

“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.

Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company remains the proven clean transportation leader with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses sold. Blue Bird manufactures its school buses in Fort Valley, Ga. The shift to clean transportation helps the company sustain approximately 2,000 good-paying U.S. jobs.

About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer, and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

About ROUSH CleanTech
ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of advanced clean transportation solutions, is a division of the global engineering company Roush Enterprises. ROUSH CleanTech develops propane autogas technology for medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles and school buses. With more than 50,000 vehicles on the road, the Livonia, Michigan-based company delivers economical, emissions-reducing options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH

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WASHINGTON — The Engine Technology Forum (ETF) welcomes Roush Enterprises, Inc. (Roush) as its newest member. The not-for-profit ETF organization is dedicated to promoting understanding of the benefits of advanced engines, fuels, and technologies. Engine Technology Forum members are leaders in those industries.

Founded in 1976 by motorsports legend Jack Roush, the company has established itself as a premier global provider of automotive performance products and clean fuel technology solutions. With a workforce of over 4,500 employees worldwide, Roush also provides creative solutions for advanced mobility, aerospace, defense, and theme park industries. Roush CleanTech is an advanced clean transportation solutions provider for the commercial truck industry.

Roush CleanTech Executive VP Todd Mouw states that “Since our inception, we have focused on developing innovative and reliable technologies for the medium-duty market. Roush CleanTech designs, manufactures, and installs clean technology fuel systems, including propane Autogas, for commercial vehicles and school buses across North America. Our people take ideas and make them real for clients in some of the world’s most dynamic industries. “

“We see a bright future for internal combustion engine technology in new and conversion applications. More than 45,000 vehicles school and shuttle buses, work trucks, and other vehicles are on the roads with Roush technology. Our commitment to being a leader in advanced engine technology includes helping to educate and inform people about the policies that drive our customers’ needs. Our work aligns well with the Engine Technology Forum, which is dedicated to educating others about the tremendous value of advanced engines to economies around the world. We’re pleased to join other industry leaders by supporting this important effort,” says Mouw.

ETF Executive Director Allen Schaeffer says, “Our Forum members are excited to welcome the Roush team. We’re looking forward to the insights they’ll share and their contributions to our constantly evolving scope of work. Advanced engines and fuels help our world evolve, and progress, to meet new challenges. And Roush’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation will help the Forum share this story with others around the world.”

The Forum brings together a broad range of stakeholders including advanced engine users, public and environmental interest groups, as well as government officials, to encourage the exchange of information and ideas about the use of advanced engine technology. ETF is also the only organization dedicated to promoting and defending a viable future for internal combustion engines in all applications.

The Engine Technology Forum was established in October 2023. It evolved from the widely known Diesel Technology Forum which was founded in 2000. ETF is based in metropolitan Washington, DC.

Roush’s US operations are based in Livonia, Michigan.

About Roush
Roush is a full-service product development supplier headquartered in Livonia, Michigan. Since 1976, the company has grown to more than 4,500 employees in facilities located throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Named a Crain’s Detroit Fast 50 in 2018, Roush is widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototyping, and manufacturing services to the mobility, aerospace, defense, and theme park industries. Corporate subsidiaries include Roush Performance, a developer and manufacturer of performance vehicles and products for the automotive aftermarket; and Roush CleanTech, a developer, and manufacturer of alternative fuel systems for the fleet vehicle market. For more information, visit www.roush.com.

About the Engine Technology Forum
Founded on the principles of fact-based education, science, outreach and collaboration, the Engine Technology Forum is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the benefits of advanced engines and the fuels that they use, as well as how these contribute to a sustainable future. Please join us. We also invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Sign up for our digital newsletter, too.

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