Blue Bird Corporation will highlight its latest zero-emission vehicles at Work Truck Week 2025 (WTW25). The company debuted its new propane-powered Class 5-6 stripped chassis and showcased its electric step van during the event’s ride & drive. WTW25 began March 4 and runs until March 7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

Propane-Powered Stripped Chassis

Blue Bird introduces a propane-powered stripped chassis with a 208-inch wheelbase designed for medium to long-range delivery vehicles. The chassis supports a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds. Blue Bird said it uses lightweight materials in the chassis to enhance fuel efficiency. This also increases payload capacity while meeting safety standards.

The company developed this chassis in collaboration with Ford Component Sales and ROUSH CleanTech. It features Ford’s 7.3L V8 engine, integrated by ROUSH CleanTech into a low-emission powertrain. Attendees can view the chassis at ROUSH CleanTech’s booth 553.

Electric Step Van for Last-Mile Delivery Solutions

Blue Bird will also unveil an electric-powered step van, based on its Class 5-6 stripped chassis. This 178-inch wheelbase step van is designed for last-mile delivery, supporting a GVWR of up to 23,000 pounds. The vehicle features a 140kWh lithium-ion battery and can travel up to 130 miles on a single charge. Recharging times vary from one to twelve hours, depending on the charging infrastructure.

The electric step van includes features like hill hold and electric creep. These features improve driver protection and simulate traditional vehicle behavior. Both the electric and propane-powered chassis provide a 55-degree wheel cut, improving maneuverability in tight urban environments.

Leadership Remarks on Zero-Emission Vehicles

“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.”

Partnership with ROUSH CleanTech for Propane Solutions

“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.”

Availability of Zero-Emission Vehicles

Blue Bird expects the electric-powered stripped chassis to become commercially available in Q1 2026, with the propane-powered chassis following in Q2 2026.