Blue Bird Receives Largest Single Order of Electric School Buses in Its History

Rhea-AI Summary

Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) has secured its largest order for electric school buses, with Modesto City Schools in California purchasing 30 zero-emission buses. This order allows the district to convert nearly half of its diesel fleet, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community health. With anticipated fuel savings of over $250,000 per year, the buses will support cleaner energy and sustainability initiatives. Blue Bird's electric buses can carry 84 passengers and travel up to 120 miles on a single charge.

Positive

• Largest order for electric school buses in company history.
• Modesto City Schools to save over $250,000 annually in fuel costs.
• Converts nearly 50% of the district's diesel fleet to zero-emission.
• Significant reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Negative

• None.

MACON, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, has received the single largest order of electric school buses from a school district in its history. Modesto City Schools in California purchased 30 zero-emission school buses. The order enables the school district to rapidly convert nearly 50% of its diesel-powered bus fleet to clean energy. Thereby, Modesto City Schools will considerably reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while improving community health.

Modesto City Schools in California ordered 30 Blue Bird All American Type D electric school buses to convert nearly half of its diesel-powered fleet to zero-emission vehicles. The school district anticipates saving more than $250,000 a year in fuel costs alone. (Photo: Business Wire)

Modesto City Schools will benefit from significant cost saving opportunities by reducing or eliminating the fuel and maintenance costs tied to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. Select Blue Bird customers reported fuel costs of up to 49 cents per mile for their diesel buses, compared to an average 14 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses. Modesto City Schools anticipates saving more than $250,000 a year in fuel costs alone by converting nearly half of its diesel-powered fleet to electric vehicles.

“The price of diesel fuel continues to skyrocket. Our Sustainability projects are designed to address climate change, reduce air pollution, and lead the next generation of students in learning about a Sustainable lifestyle with renewable energy, carbon reduction, and clean mobility options,” said Tim Zearley, Associate Superintendent of Business Services, Modesto City Schools. “I’m proud that Modesto City Schools is leading the way in Public Education Sustainability Initiatives in Stanislaus County.”

“Blue Bird is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of low- and zero-emission school buses in North America,” said Matthew Stevenson, president and CEO, Blue Bird Corporation. “We are pleased to help Modesto City Schools turn its vision of clean and sustainable school bus transportation into reality. Soon, nearly 30,000 school children in California’s Central Valley will enjoy emission-free transportation and cleaner communities.”

Modesto City Schools purchased Blue Bird All American Type D electric school buses. The district anticipates delivery of the zero-emission vehicles in the fourth quarter 2022. Blue Bird electric buses can carry a maximum of 84 passengers for up to 120 miles on a single charge. They take between three and eight hours to fully recharge depending on the charging infrastructure.

Blue Bird’s electric school buses were partially funded by California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The California Air Resources Board (CARB) launched the program in 2009. HVIP is administered by CALSTART, a national clean transportation nonprofit consortium.

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. For Blue Bird's line of emission-free electric buses, visit www.bluebirdelectricbus.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220329005213/en/

Julianne Barclay

TSN Communications

M: +1.267.934.5340

E: julianne@tsncommunications.com

Source: Blue Bird Corporation

FAQ

What is the significance of Blue Bird Corporation's recent electric school bus order?

Blue Bird Corporation received its largest order for electric school buses, with Modesto City Schools purchasing 30 buses, which will convert nearly half of their diesel fleet.

How much will Modesto City Schools save with the new electric buses from Blue Bird?

Modesto City Schools anticipates saving over $250,000 annually in fuel costs by switching to electric buses.

What is the impact of the electric school bus order on greenhouse gas emissions?

The order will significantly reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions as the district converts its diesel-powered fleet to electric.

What are the specifications of the Blue Bird electric school buses?

The electric buses can carry up to 84 passengers and have a range of 120 miles on a single charge.

When will the electric buses be delivered to Modesto City Schools?

The delivery of the electric buses is expected in the fourth quarter of 2022.