Blue Bird Corporation has secured the largest-ever order for electric school buses from the second-largest public school system in the United States.
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Securing Largest-Ever Order for EV School Busses
Blue Bird Corporation, a pioneer in the realm of electric and low-emission school buses, has clinched the most substantial electric school bus order ever received from a school district.
Electrek reported that the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has placed an unprecedented order for 180 electric, zero-emission school buses, facilitated through their local Blue Bird dealer, A-Z Bus Sales, Inc.
This groundbreaking procurement is poised to facilitate the school district's transition of the initial depot to 100 percent electric student transportation, aligning with its ambitious objectives of curbing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing operational efficiencies.
With twenty-six Blue Bird electric school buses already operational in its fleet, LAUSD is set to expand its zero-emission school bus fleet significantly. Blue Bird Corporation will contribute 30 Vision and 150 All-American state-of-the-art electric buses to fulfill this monumental order.
The anticipated delivery of the first buses is scheduled for October 2024, with the entire order expected to be completed by early 2025.
The model vehicles, both boasting an impressive range of up to 130 miles on a single charge, align with LAUSD's forward-looking vision for charging infrastructure. Depending on the evolving charging setup at LAUSD, the buses may undergo a full recharge within a span of three to eight hours.
Also Read: GreenPower Unveils Electric School Bus 'Mega BEAST' With a Massive 300 Miles of Range
Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho expressed excitement about the shift towards electrification, emphasizing the school district's commitment to creating a sustainable model that benefits students, school communities, and future generations.
Blue Bird Corporation's CEO, Phil Horlock, emphasized the company's recognition as a technology leader and innovator in the realm of all-electric school buses. Delighted to contribute to the Los Angeles Unified School District, Horlock assured the delivery of safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly student transportation.
With continuing robust demand for low- and zero-emission school buses nationwide, NGT News reported that Blue Bird remains dedicated to surpassing customer expectations.
Blue Bird's electric buses are equipped with standard vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, featuring bi-directional charging technology. This innovation allows LAUSD the potential to sell surplus energy stored in the school bus batteries back to electric power companies, presenting an opportunity for profit.
Beyond financial benefits, V2G programs play a crucial role in balancing grid demands and enhancing grid resiliency.
Expressing the significance of LAUSD's commitment to an all-electric future, John Landherr, President & CEO of A-Z Bus Sales, commended the district for setting a model for other school districts contemplating a similar transition.
Having supported LAUSD in previous shifts from diesel to alternative fuel buses, A-Z Bus Sales, as the leading dealer in electric school buses nationwide, is poised to provide comprehensive support for the district's EV transition.
Becoming an Industry Blazer
Celebrating a milestone delivery of its 1500th electric school bus, School Transportation reported that Blue Bird has become an industry trailblazer, with zero-emission vehicles operational in 41 U.S. states.
As school districts increasingly shift towards cleaner student transportation, Blue Bird has invested significantly in expanding its electric school bus production capacity.
The recent inauguration of the Electric Vehicle (EV) Build-up Center positions Blue Bird to manufacture up to 5,000 electric school buses annually in the long term.
Related Article: Biggest Fleet of Electric School Bus Rolls Out in Maryland
