Blue Bird Delivers First Electric School Bus Fleet to Carter County Schools in Kentucky

Rhea-AI Summary

Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD) is supplying 23 electric school buses to Carter County Schools (CCS) in Kentucky, funded by a $9 million grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Rebate program. The state-of-the-art electric buses feature extended range, faster battery charging, and increased seating capacity, marking a new era of clean student transportation for the school district.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

Blue Bird Corporation's provision of 23 electric school buses to Carter County Schools represents a significant commitment to sustainable transportation, which is a growing trend within the automotive industry. This initiative, supported by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, not only reflects a shift towards environmentally friendly practices but also aligns with increasing regulatory pressures for lower emissions.

From a market perspective, this move could position Blue Bird as a frontrunner in the electric school bus market, potentially increasing its market share and brand reputation. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the school transportation sector could signal broader acceptance and drive demand for EV technology. As school districts across the nation observe the performance and cost savings from reduced fuel and maintenance, it could lead to an uptick in sales for Blue Bird, influencing their financial performance positively.

However, challenges such as infrastructure for charging, initial costs and battery life must be considered. The capacity to meet increasing demand and maintain technological leadership will be critical for Blue Bird's long-term success in this emerging market segment.

Environmental Policy Expert

The deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as the electric buses provided by Blue Bird Corporation, is a critical step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. The significant grant from the EPA indicates strong government support for green initiatives, which is essential for accelerating the transition to clean energy.

This shift not only has environmental benefits but also aligns with the broader national goals set forth by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. By reducing the carbon footprint of school transportation, Carter County Schools is contributing to the national effort to combat climate change. This could set a precedent for other districts, potentially influencing policy and funding allocations for similar programs in the future.

Moreover, the increased seating capacity and efficiency improvements in Blue Bird's new electric buses demonstrate technological advancements that can enhance the cost-effectiveness of clean transportation solutions, making them more accessible and appealing to school districts nationwide.

Financial Analyst

Blue Bird Corporation's engagement in the electric school bus market, backed by a substantial EPA grant, is a strategic move that may impact its financial health. The initial $9 million investment in Blue Bird's buses by Carter County Schools, facilitated by government funding, highlights the potential for public-private partnerships to drive growth in the clean energy sector.

Investors should monitor Blue Bird's performance in fulfilling this contract and its ability to secure additional contracts under the EPA's rebate program. The company's financials could benefit from the increasing demand for zero-emission vehicles, particularly if it can capitalize on economies of scale and reduce production costs over time.

While the investment in R&D for advanced electric buses may be substantial, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, combined with potential government incentives, could improve the total cost of ownership for school districts and, by extension, the profitability for manufacturers like Blue Bird.

School District Launches Pilot Program with 23 Zero-emission Vehicles Funded by EPA’s Clean School Bus Program

MACON, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, is supplying 23 electric school buses to Carter County Schools (CCS) in Kentucky. The zero-emission vehicles mark a new era of clean student transportation for the school district. CCS operates eleven schools serving approximately 4,200 students.

Blue Bird is delivering 23 electric school buses to Carter County Schools (CCS) in Kentucky to help the school district accelerate its transition to clean student transportation. Blue Bird’s next-generation, zero-emission school buses were funded by a $9 million grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Rebate program. (Photo: Business Wire)

Blue Bird provides its new Vision electric school buses to CCS. The state-of-the-art electric bus features an extended range, faster battery charging, and increased seating capacity.

Blue Bird’s most advanced Vision electric school bus carries a higher-capacity battery of 196kWh, a more than 25 percent capacity increase compared to the previous model bus. The battery enables a vehicle range of up to 130 miles on a single charge. The high-performance battery takes merely three hours to fully recharge since it supports a fast-charging rate of 80kW.

The compact and lightweight batteries contribute to improved efficiency and a vehicle weight reduction of approximately 1,000 lbs. In turn, Blue Bird increased the seating capacity of its new Vision electric bus to 77 passengers, up from 72 passengers.

After the completion of the latest Blue Bird bus delivery, CCS will maintain a bus fleet of nearly 75 vehicles. CCS school buses travel more than 3,600 miles each school day, as they pick up and safely transport up to 3,000 students to and from schools.

“We are thrilled to deploy our very first electric school buses to lower the emissions of our school bus fleet,” said Dr. Paul Green, superintendent of Carter County Schools. “Clean student transportation is one of our top priorities. Blue Bird’s most advanced, zero-emission school buses will help us to create a healthier environment for our students and our communities at-large.”

“We are pleased that Carter County Schools places its trust in Blue Bird to help the school district transition to clean student transportation,” said Britton Smith, president of Blue Bird Corporation. “Over the past century, Blue Bird has emerged as an iconic company well recognized for its best-in-class technology and innovation. Today, school districts and students alike benefit from Blue Bird’s unrivalled leadership in low- and zero-emission vehicles. Electric school buses mean cleaner air to breathe.”

CCS received a $9,085,000 grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program to purchase its Blue Bird electric school bus fleet. This program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which provides a total of $5 billion over five years for clean school bus transportation nationwide. Last year, the EPA awarded nearly $1 billion in funding to school districts across all 50 U.S. states for more than 2,400 clean school buses. In 2023, the EPA plans to offer an additional $1 billion in funding for low- and zero-emission school buses.

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 1,500 electric-powered, zero-emission school buses in operation today. CCS purchased its advanced electric vehicles through Blue Bird’s authorized school bus dealer Central States Bus Sales, Inc. in Lexington, Ky.

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. Blue Bird buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – the majority of 25 million children twice a day – making us the most trusted brand in the industry. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. 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 Carter County Schools

Carter County Schools has established a reputation for excellence throughout the state. Over the past several years, hundreds of educators have come to our district to learn what they could do to provide better opportunities for students across the Commonwealth. Most of these visitors affirmed what we know to be true; our teachers and support staff are the best! The dedication and commitment to the success of the students in Carter County is evident in each of our schools.

​Many changes are taking place in Kentucky's educational system. While the measures of success look different than in the past, our commitment to excellence is unchanged. We realize that a good education can make a world of difference. The Global Partnership for Education website contains the following quote, "Girls and boys who learn to read, write and count will provide a better future for their families and countries. With improved education, so many other areas are positively affected. In short, education has the power to make the world a better place." What an awesome privilege and responsibility our employees have to work in a profession that can make such a positive difference.

Education is a partnership between students, parents, schools and community. Working together, we have the opportunity to impact the lives of our children. According to research, "When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more." There are many opportunities to be involved in our children's education. We urge you to find ways to participate in fulfilling our district's vision of being "The Standard of Excellence." For more information on Carter County Schools, visit www.cartercountyschools.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240103352606/en/

Blue Bird Corporation Media Contact

Julianne Barclay

TSN Communications

M: +1.267.934.5340

E: julianne@tsncommunications.com

Carter County Schools Media Contact

Pamela Kouns

Public Information Officer

Carter County Schools

T: +1.606.474.6696 Ext. 20107

E: pam.kouns@carter.kyschools.us

Source: Blue Bird Corporation

FAQ

How many electric school buses is Blue Bird supplying to Carter County Schools (CCS) in Kentucky?

Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD) is supplying 23 electric school buses to Carter County Schools (CCS) in Kentucky.

How were the electric school buses funded?

The electric school buses were funded by a $9 million grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Rebate program.

What features do Blue Bird's Vision electric school buses have?

Blue Bird's Vision electric school buses feature extended range, faster battery charging, and increased seating capacity.

How many students does Carter County Schools (CCS) in Kentucky serve?

Carter County Schools (CCS) in Kentucky serves approximately 4,200 students.

What type of grant did CCS receive to purchase the electric school bus fleet?

CCS received a $9,085,000 grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program to purchase its Blue Bird electric school bus fleet.