Ford builds small electric school buses that will be perfect kid carriers. This week, at the NTEA work truck industry event, Ford revealed its first electric school bus based on the industry-leading E-Transit van platform.
Ford says it’s the first electric school bus of its kind from a “full-line automaker.” The electrified vehicle will be a Type A school bus with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lb or more and should have a capacity for 12 to 30 passengers.
Often referred to as a “short bus,” this type of bus is much smaller than the Type-C bus currently used by most school districts for student transportation. However, many schools employ a fleet of smaller Type A buses for other events and activities.
🛑 please stop!
excited to share #ETransit is the first van from a full-line automaker to offer a Type A #School bus package on an electric powertrain. Talk about versatility!
Visit the Ford Pro booth @NTEA #WorkTruckWeek to see it and our software + recharge. pic.twitter.com/09XbvrPEgt— Wanda Young (@WandaY_FordPro) March 9, 2023
Wanda Young, Ford Pro’s Global Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, posted the first image of the bus on Twitter. Young went on to mention that the bus will be on display at the Ford Pro booth at the auto show, where those interested can learn more about the specs, platform and charging options.
According to Ford, the E-Transit line reduces CO2 and emissions by almost 57%, if not more, and provides a great platform for building new Type A electric school buses.
School districts can receive over $300,000 to swap out older diesel-powered buses for new electric options, not to mention an additional $20,000 in Inflation Reduction Act credits. In addition, districts can save on maintenance costs, among other things.
Unfortunately, the automaker didn’t reveal too many details about its all-electric school bus at the event, so there’s no word on estimated range, pricing, or safety features. However, given the millions of children who ride buses each year, this is an emerging market that is a priority for Ford Pro. Maybe next year your kids will be driving to school in an electrified yellow Ford bus.
via CarScoops
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