Blue Bird Unveils Groundbreaking Electric Vehicle Platform at 2022 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo

Rhea-AI Summary

Blue Bird Corporation has launched a new Class 5-6 electric vehicle (EV) chassis at the 2022 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo. This initiative marks the company's entry into the commercial vehicle market, expanding its zero-emission transportation offerings. The modular chassis supports battery configurations from 70kWh to 225kWh, allowing a range of up to 175 miles. With safety features like hill hold and electric creep, Blue Bird aims to enhance driver experience. Production is expected to begin in late 2023 in Fort Valley, Ga., significantly broadening their market presence.

Positive

• Launch of Class 5-6 EV chassis expands market opportunities, nearly doubling addressable market.
• Modular design allows for customizable battery configurations and ranges up to 175 miles.
• Innovative safety features enhance competitive positioning in the market.

Negative

• None.

Company Enters Commercial Vehicle Market with Flexible Class 5-6 EV Chassis

MACON, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, today unveiled a unique Class 5-6 electric vehicle platform at the 2022 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, North America’s largest advanced transportation technology and clean fleet event. The company builds on its nearly century-long expertise of school bus manufacturing to expand its zero-emission transportation solutions to the commercial vehicle market. Blue Bird's flexible Class 5-6 chassis will enable a broad range of fully-electric vehicles, including last-mile delivery step vans, motorhomes, and other specialty vehicles.

Blue Bird unveiled an electric Class 5-6 custom chassis at ACT Expo to expand its zero-emission transportation solutions to the commercial vehicle market. Developed with Colorado-based Lightning eMotors, the chassis will enable a broad range of fully-electric vehicles, including last-mile delivery step vans, motorhomes, and other specialty vehicles. (Image provided by Lightning eMotors)

Due to its modular design, the Blue Bird electric vehicle (EV) chassis allows for several battery configurations from 70kWh to 225kWh supporting a vehicle range of up to 175 miles on a single charge. The battery packs take between one and twelve hours to fully recharge depending on the charging infrastructure.

In addition, Blue Bird offers its Class 5-6 chassis with three wheelbase options of 178”, 190”, and 208” for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 26,000 pounds. The company utilizes lightweight materials and components for its innovative vehicle platform, thereby, maximizing vehicle payload without compromising on vehicle safety.

Blue Bird offers several safety features on its EV chassis not standard on comparable electric vehicles to enhance driver protection and familiarity. This includes “hill hold,” which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward 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, the Blue Bird custom chassis provides the best turn radius to-date maximizing vehicle maneuverability in tight urban settings.

“For nearly a century, Blue Bird has perfected its core capabilities of designing, engineering and manufacturing school buses from the ground up,” said Matthew Stevenson, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Now we will apply our world-class chassis-building expertise to expand our electric-powered product range to the commercial vehicle space, thereby, nearly doubling our total addressable market. Blue Bird's unique and modular vehicle platform is an industry gamechanger for zero-emission mobility.”

Blue Bird teamed up with Lightning eMotors, a Colorado-based manufacturer of electric powertrains and complete zero-emission vehicle solutions, to build the prototype of the Class 5-6 custom chassis. Lightning eMotors drew from its broad EV experience based on nearly 250 zero-emission electric commercial vehicles in operation and over 1.5 million miles driven to-date.

"We are ecstatic that Blue Bird chose us to be their powertrain partner for their debut into the commercial chassis market,” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning eMotors. “Blue Bird's reputation for quality and safety is well deserved, and we believe they will disrupt the market. We are also excited about the innovation they are bringing to the school bus market and look forward to deepening our partnership going forward."

Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company plans to launch production of its Class 5-6 EV chassis in late 2023 at its manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Ga.

Blue Bird will feature its latest low- and zero-emission vehicle technologies at ACT Expo. The company remains the proven clean transportation leader with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses in operation today. ACT Expo takes place from May 9-12, 2022, at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California.

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/20220510005134/en/

Julianne Barclay

TSN Communications

M: +1.267.934.5340

E: julianne@tsncommunications.com

Source: Blue Bird Corporation

FAQ

What new product did Blue Bird Corporation launch?

Blue Bird Corporation launched a new Class 5-6 electric vehicle chassis.

How does the modular chassis of Blue Bird's EV work?

The modular chassis allows for battery configurations from 70kWh to 225kWh and supports a vehicle range of up to 175 miles.

When will Blue Bird begin production of the Class 5-6 EV chassis?

Production of the Class 5-6 EV chassis is expected to begin in late 2023.

What safety features are included in Blue Bird's new EV chassis?

The EV chassis includes features like hill hold and electric creep for improved safety and driver familiarity.

How will the new chassis impact Blue Bird's market presence?

The new chassis is expected to nearly double Blue Bird's total addressable market, enhancing its commercial vehicle offerings.