Back in 2021, Blue Bird began production of its propane and gasoline Vision school buses integrating the then-new 7.3L Godzilla V8 engine and a purpose-built fuel system designed specifically for those kinds of applications, with an advanced fuel system technology developed by Roush CleanTech. Last May, Blue Bird also announced that given strong demand for these models, it decided to extend its relationship with Ford and Roush CleanTech until 2030. Now, Blue Bird has debuted something totally new – a stripped chassis model also powered by a Ford V8.
This new Blue Bird propane-powered stripped chassis model is based on a 208-inch wheelbase for medium to long-range delivery vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds. The company utilized lightweight materials and components for this new platform, which are aimed at maximizing fuel-efficiency and payload capacity. The Class 5-6 stripped chassis model once again uses Ford’s 7.3L V8 Godzilla engine for motivation, which relies on Roush’s CleanTech technology that enables it to run on propane and generate 335 horsepower, all while producing low emissions. Blue Bird expects this new propane-powered stripped chassis model to be available for commercial customers to purchase starting in Q2 2026.
“Blue Bird builds on its nearly century-long expertise in school bus manufacturing to expand its zero- and low-emission transportation solutions to the commercial vehicle market,” said Tim Gordon, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Blue Bird Corporation. “We are thrilled to present our advanced electric- and propane-powered vehicle platforms at Work Truck Week 2025 to help our customers improve vehicle fleet efficiency and cost.”
“Our longstanding partnership with Blue Bird highlights our dedication to delivering clean, efficient and sustainable propane autogas solutions for fleets,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer success at ROUSH CleanTech. “By leveraging ROUSH CleanTech’s proven propane technology that has accumulated more than three billion miles with 3,000 fleets, we’re revolutionizing the commercial sector with reliable, low-emission step vans that reduce operating costs without compromising performance.”
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