Comparing Diesel to Propane School Buses

Propane vs. Diesel

Now that Blue Bird has introduced the Vision, a propane-powered school bus, it leaves many people wondering, what’s the difference between propane and diesel?

As school districts are looking for the safest and most cost-effective school buses, it’s important to understand how the two compare, and which would be the best choice, not only regarding initial cost but in regards to operating and maintenance costs. So, let’s take a look.

The Cost of Fuel for Propane and Diesel Buses

With diesel prices being relatively low, it may seem like it is the most cost-effective choice for school buses. But, propane-powered vehicles can still save your district up to 30% more than a diesel-powered one. That’s great news for school districts in general, but is a particularly attractive selling point when you are trying to get funding approved for new school buses.

Propane Autogas Buses Are Cheaper to Operate, Maintain, and Repair

There are strict Clean Air requirements set in place by the EPA. These specifications will require diesel buses to install additional filters and fluids as part of an emissions-reduction system, which will add to your cost of operation.

On the other hand, propane burns clean and produces fewer by-products, so the emissions system is much less complicated. In general, a propane autogas school bus will require fewer fluids and oils to run the engine, and this reduction in fluids will significantly reduce the cost of operation, maintenance, and repairs.

Propane Is Better in States with Freezing Cold Winters

Since we work with school districts in Colorado and Nebraska, we have to consider how a bus is going to operate under sub-zero conditions.

A diesel engine is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures. Diesel needs to be warm to fire up the engine, and that will require additional parts for your buses so that they start up on cue for morning and afternoon pickups and dropoffs. Block heaters are a requirement for diesel engines and are often overlooked in the budgeting process.

Propane autogas buses require no additional parts or fluid to start up on even the coldest of Colorado or Nebraska winter days.

Propane Autogas School Buses for Sale

When it comes to getting the best return on your school bus investment, propane autogas buses win in every category. With the Blue Bird Vision school bus, you will save your district money, while still providing the safest and most comfortable mode of transportation for students.

Talk to a representative about propane-powered school buses.