The Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision® school bus is a conventional Type C school bus that has a 47-71 passenger capacity which runs on propane instead of diesel fuel. The bus uses a GM 8.1 L Vortec engine with a propane fuel system. Wheelbases range from 189 to 273 inches. It meets all applicable Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) with advantages such as; lower operating and maintenance costs, provides a viable alternative fuel choice amidst rising diesel fuel prices, lower emission levels, fewer oil changes, and better performance.
Propane
Propane is a nontoxic, colorless, and odorless gas produced from natural gas processing and crude oil refining. At ambient (normal) temperature it is a gas and a liquid under pressure. It emits fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline or diesel.
Propane has been used as a commercial motor fuel for more than 80 years. Worldwide there are more than 10 million vehicles operating on propane, approximately 60,000 of those are operating in Canada.
The Liquid Propane Injection System (LPI™) is a fully integrated system, designed in complete harmony with the OEM engine.
The LPI™ system replaces the diesel fuel tank, fuel pump and injector rails with a propane fuel tank, fuel pump and injector rails. Providing the best balance of fuel economy, performance and emissions, LPI™ offers unsurpassed economics of ownership and operation, including more complete combustion, lower emissions, improved fuel economy and performance.
Costs
The propane-powered Vision is approximately $11,000 - $17,000 more than a similarly equipped diesel-powered school bus. Although the up-front cost is more, the amount of money you will save over time in fuel, maintenance and upkeep, is well worth the initial investment. Operating costs range from 5 to 30 percent less than conventional or reformulated gasoline.
Fuel
In Canada, there are approximately 2.500 outltes for dispensing propane. There are also more than 5.000 propane marketers who will work with you to ensure you have easy access to refueling stations. The fuel range of the propane-powered vision is approximately 480 kms. Refueling is very simple and quick, comparable to gasoline or diesel; 10 to 12 gallons per minute.
Safety
Propane is nontoxic and nonpoisonous. It is one of the cleanest burning fuels of all fossil fuels. Propane fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. It has a narrow range of flammability and cannot be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels.
The propane vehicle tanks, constructed from carbon steel, are 20 times as puncture resistant as gasonline tankes, and are located between the frame rails of the bus for added protection.
