Blue Bird Receives Record Order of 180 Electric School Buses
- LAUSD's order of 180 electric school buses is the largest in Blue Bird Corporation's history.
- The shift to clean student transportation will help LAUSD reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve operational efficiencies.
- The order includes 150 All American and 30 Vision model buses with a range of up to 130 miles on a single charge.
- The buses come standard with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, potentially allowing LAUSD to sell excess energy stored in school bus batteries back to electric power companies at a profit.
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Insights
An environmental economist would assess the economic implications of LAUSD's shift to electric buses. Transitioning to zero-emission transportation can lead to significant cost savings over time due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses. Moreover, the adoption of electric buses by such a large district creates a market signal that could accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies in the school transportation sector.
However, the upfront costs are substantial and the district will likely incur significant expenses related to the purchase and installation of charging infrastructure. The total cost of ownership must be calculated, considering not only the purchase price but also long-term operational savings. The inclusion of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology introduces potential revenue streams, as buses could sell back energy to the grid, but it also adds complexity in terms of infrastructure and energy management.
The environmental benefits are clear, with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollutants, contributing to overall community health improvements. This aligns with broader societal goals of environmental sustainability and may qualify the district for state and federal incentives aimed at reducing carbon footprints.
From a market research perspective, Blue Bird Corporation's receipt of the largest single order of electric buses signifies a robust demand within the niche market of electric school transportation. This could be indicative of a growing trend among educational institutions prioritizing sustainability.
This order might influence other districts to follow suit, potentially expanding the market for electric buses. It's important to note that as the market grows, there could be increased competition among manufacturers, which could drive innovation and potentially lower costs. The impact on Blue Bird's stock could be positive, reflecting the company's strengthened position in the market and the potential for future orders of similar magnitude.
Furthermore, the adoption of V2G technology suggests that Blue Bird is at the forefront of innovation in electric vehicle technology, which could enhance its reputation and appeal to investors looking for companies with advanced, sustainable technologies.
An energy policy analyst would focus on the implications of LAUSD's order for energy policy and infrastructure. The integration of 180 electric buses with V2G capabilities can serve as a case study for other districts and municipalities considering similar transitions. It also raises questions about the readiness of the existing energy grid to handle increased electric loads and the potential need for policy support to facilitate such large-scale transitions.
The V2G technology presents an opportunity to improve grid resiliency and manage peak energy demands. However, the successful implementation of V2G systems requires coordinated policies and regulations that support bi-directional energy flows and compensate school districts for energy provided back to the grid.
Moreover, the shift to electric buses by such a significant school district will likely influence energy consumption patterns and demand, necessitating adjustments in energy production and distribution strategies. This could lead to broader discussions on the role of electric vehicles in achieving energy sustainability and security.
Los Angeles Unified School District Places Largest Order of EV Buses in Blue Bird History to Help District Shift to Zero-Emission Student Transportation
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) ordered a record 180 electric, zero-emission school buses from Blue Bird Corporation, including 150 All American (pictured here) and 30 Vision model buses. The school district anticipates the bus delivery in October 2024. The shift to clean student transportation will help LAUSD realize its ambitious goals of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions while improving its operational efficiencies. (Image provided by Los Angeles Unified School District)
LAUSD already operates twenty-six Blue Bird electric school buses in its fleet. Moving forward, the school bus manufacturer will provide 30 Vision and 150 All American state-of-the-art electric buses to significantly enlarge the districts’ zero-emission school bus fleet. LAUSD anticipates delivery of the first buses in October 2024 and for the order to be fulfilled in early 2025.
Both model vehicles have a range of up to 130 miles on a single charge. Based on LAUSD’s future charging infrastructure, the buses could take between three and eight hours to recharge fully.
“Los Angeles Unified is excited to move toward the electrification of our Sun Valley Bus Yard school buses,” said Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “We must fully commit ourselves to creating a model of sustainability that benefits our students, our school communities and generations to come.”
“Blue Bird is recognized as the technology leader and innovator of all-electric school buses. We are thrilled to provide safe, reliable, and – above all – clean student transportation to the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest in the nation,” said Phil Horlock, CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Demand for low- and zero-emission school buses remains strong across
Blue Bird electric buses come standard with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. This bi-directional charging technology will allow LAUSD to potentially sell excess energy stored in school bus batteries back to electric power companies at a profit. In addition, V2G programs help balance demands on the grid and improve grid resiliency.
“LAUSD is making a monumental leap forward by committing to an all-electric future and providing a model for other school districts of how a transition of this size can take place,” said John Landherr, President & CEO of A-Z Bus Sales. “We’re proud to have helped LAUSD over the years transition from diesel to alternative fuel CNG and propane buses, and as the No. 1 dealer in electric school buses nationwide, our team is positioned to now support the district at all levels with their EV transition.”
Blue Bird recently celebrated the milestone delivery of its 1500th electric school bus – and industry first. The company’s zero-emission vehicles now operate across 41 U.S. states. With districts increasingly transitioning to clean student transportation, Blue Bird has invested heavily in expanding its electric school bus production capacity. The bus manufacturer opened its Electric Vehicle (EV) Build-up Center, which will enable Blue Bird to build up to 5,000 electric school buses a year in the long-term.
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 Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is the second largest school district in the nation, and enrolls more than 429,000 students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. The District covers 710 square miles and includes
About A-Z Bus Sales, Inc.
A-Z Bus Sales, Inc. is a transportation dealer-distributor serving the education, government, public sector, commercial, and private fleet markets with a broad portfolio of clean passenger transportation solutions. The
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Blue Bird Media Contact
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Source: Blue Bird Corporation
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