Alternative Fuels–Blue Bird Vision CNG Delivers

May 8, 2020by cowest

As we approach the end of our Alternative Fuel Bus Series, let us shift our focus to the Blue Bird Vision CNG or Compressed Natural Gas School Bus.  When someone says “school bus”, safety is probably the first thing that comes to mind.  Compressed Natural Gas is a very safe alternative fuel, not only for our children that ride on our CNG-powered bus, but also for the environment.   According to the California Air Resources Board, Natural Gas can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20-23% when compared with diesel vehicles. In addition to the safety of CNG, Quality and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings over time make it a wise choice to add to any fleet.  The following are some reasons behind the use of CNG. Click here for more detailed information on the points below:

  • CNG costs less than Diesel.
  • CNG is better for the environment.
  • Nearly all CNG in North America is domestically produced.
  • Blue Bird’s CNG buses deliver the same reliable performance and ease of maintenance as our diesel models.
  • CNG stations are opening across the country.

QUALITY

Blue Bird builds buses to last and cuts no corners when it comes to quality.  The Vision buses fueled by CNG start up quickly in temperatures as low at -40 degrees Fahrenheit, without the use of starting aids. Heaters reach operation temperatures in less than 12 minutes, making the CNG an ideal bus for cold climates. Below are some additional ways our Vision CNG delivers:

  • The function objective of a minimum 250-mile range for fuel, assuring top deliverability
  • An octane level of 115, providing for high power and pickup
  • An engine certified to 0.1 g/bhp-hr of nitrogen oxide
  • An engine that is 50% cleaner than federal emissions standards

The Vision CNG offers a standard dual-side fuel fill that saves driver time by allowing the bus to be filled on either side.  In addition, the bus also has two fill options:  Time Fill and Fast Fill.  Time fill (standard) allows the driver to connect and walk away.  Fast fill cuts fill time in half. The Vision CNG also features a standard 60-gallon tank, and our optional 100-gallon tank allows for long-distance traveling. The powertrain of the Vision CNG is the lowest weight available on a Type-C CNG Bus, weighing 275 pounds less than the competition. The lighter powertrain and smaller tanks give Blue Bird a fuel economy advantage.

COST

The CNG Fuel system saves time and money.  The gallon equivalent of Compressed Natural Gas costs up to 60% less than the cost of a gallon of Diesel fuel.  This provides immediate savings to the cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle.  Less technician training, less labor, and less product inventory are also money saving considerations. An uncomplicated engine makes it easier to find qualified technicians at a reasonable rate as well.  Other cost saving factors are:

The CNG engine requires:

  • Less oil by volume than diesel
  • No additional diesel emission fluids
  • No extra valve adjustments

The Vision CNG bus delivers economical training and easy maintenance that saves time:

  • Simplified emissions systemBlue Bird CNG
  • Proven performance
  • Simple service strategy

With over 25 years of CNG experience, Blue Bird is familiar with not only your infrastructure needs, but also what it takes to make a successful CNG product.  With CNG available in Blue Bird Vision, as well as in Blue Bird All American models, you can rest assured your passenger needs will be met. Our Blue Bird CNG bus is an excellent, green choice for your fleet.

Here at Colorado/West Equipment, Inc. and Nebraska/Central Equipment, Inc. we are committed to customer satisfaction as well as environmentally safe alternatives.  With our Blue Bird Alternative buses– Gasoline, Electric, Propane, and CNG– we have all your passenger needs covered.  We are dedicated to passenger safety and the needs of our customers. Contact us today.

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