One more company has showcased its product at the ACT Expo this year. Blue Bird Corporation, known for its electric and low-emission school buses, showcased its new electric step van at the 2024 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas. The prototype, created in partnership with Xos and Morgan Olson, is built on a Class 5-6 stripped chassis.
Key Features of the Step Van
1. Battery and Range
Equipped with a 140kWh lithium-ion battery, the step van offers a range of up to 130 miles on a single charge. The battery pack is securely mounted inside the frame rails for protection and can be fully recharged in 1 to 12 hours, depending on the charging infrastructure.
2. Design and Capacity
The prototype is based on a 178″ wheelbase and has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 23,000 pounds, making it suitable for last-mile delivery applications.
3. Safety Features
The step van includes “hill hold,” preventing it from rolling on inclines, and “electric creep,” which simulates the slow movement of a gasoline engine vehicle when the brake pedal is released.
According to Britton Smith, president of Blue Bird Corporation, “In 2022, Blue Bird introduced its EV commercial chassis concept vehicle at ACT Expo; this week, we will debut the operating prototype of our electric-powered step van at the 2024 ACT Expo that’s based on industry-leading EV technology. For nearly a century, Blue Bird has perfected its core capabilities of designing, engineering and manufacturing school buses from the ground up. Now we are one step closer to applying our world-class vehicle manufacturing expertise and expanding our electric-powered product range to the commercial vehicle market.”
Since 2018, Blue Bird has partnered with California-based Xos, which offers powertrain technology for the Step Van. Additionally, this collaboration includes Morgan Olson, a Michigan-based builder of work truck bodies responsible for providing the body for the prototype.
Blue Bird Corporation
Nasdaq-listed Blue Bird has been the leading school bus manufacturer since 1927 and is known for its safety and reliability. Blue Bird operates over 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses today.
Xos, Inc.
Xos specializes in electric trucks and fleet services, offering medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles with lower total ownership costs than traditional engines.
Morgan Olson
Morgan Olson is North America’s top manufacturer of walk-in step van bodies, catering to various delivery and service industries.
