A new Type A school bus based on the E-Transit truck.
Ford is building small electric school buses that would be ideal kids’ transport vehicles. This week, at NTEA work truck industry event, Ford revealed Its first electric school bus is based on the industry-leading E-Transit truck platform.
According to Ford, this electric school bus is the first of its kind from an “integrated automaker.” An electric vehicle is a Type A school bus with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more and must seat 12-30 passengers.
This type of bus is often called a “short bus” and is much smaller than the Type C bus currently used in most school districts to transport students. However, many schools use a fleet of smaller Type A buses for events and other activities.
🛑 Please stop!
Excited to share #Transit It is the first truck from an integrated automaker to introduce the Type A #school bus Pack on an electric powertrain. Talk about diversity!
Stop by the Ford Pro @ NTEA booth #WorkTruckWeek To see it and our program + shipping. pic.twitter.com/09XbvrPEgt– Wanda Young (@WandaY_FordPro) March 9, 2023
Wanda Young, global head of marketing and experience for Ford Pro, released the first photo of the bus on Twitter. Young went on to mention that the bus is on display at the auto show’s Ford Pro booth, where those interested can learn more about the specs, platform, and cargo capabilities.
Ford says the E-Transit line cuts CO2 production and emissions by about 57%, if not more, and is a great platform for building new Type A electric school buses.
School districts could get more than $300,000 to replace aging diesel buses with new electric options, not to mention an additional $20,000 in credits from the Inflation Reduction Act. In addition, districts can Save on maintenance costsamong other things.
Unfortunately, the automaker didn’t share many details regarding the all-electric school bus at the event, so no word on estimated range, pricing, or safety features. However, considering the millions of kids who take the bus each year, this is an emerging market that Ford Pro takes priority. Maybe your kids will head to school in an electrified yellow Ford bus next year.
via Car police
