California-based Adomani Inc. has signed an exclusive three-year supply agreement to provide school bus manufacturer Blue Bird Corp. with zero-emission electric drivetrains for use in Blue Bird’s all-electric Type C and D school bus product lines.
Adomani says that under the supply agreement, Blue Bird will purchase all of its production requirements of such zero-emission electric drivetrains for use in its Type C and D school bus product lines exclusively from Adomani, although there are no minimum purchase requirements. Blue Bird’s new electric-powered school buses are expected to be in production in 2018.
Jim Reynolds, president and CEO of Adomani, states, “I have worked with Blue Bird for over 16 years and during that time have been a part of introducing CNG-, propane- and gasoline-powered school buses manufactured by Blue Bird to the California market. Now, we are taking the alternative fuel space to a new level with the introduction of an all-electric school bus from the premier school bus manufacturer in the United States. We are proud to play a part in producing a school bus that is powered by clean electricity and provides a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and benefits our children, our communities and our environment at large. Adomani, by leveraging state-of-the-art drivetrain components, advanced battery technology and our outstanding engineering team, will help Blue Bird provide school districts and contractors with a safe, reliable, cost-effective zero-emissions transportation solution.”
“As the clear leader in alternative fuel school bus solutions, the addition of an electric school bus drivetrain rounds out our portfolio,” says Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corp. “Since unveiling our all-new electric bus chassis at the Student Transportation News conference in Reno in July, we are now putting our electric-powered school bus through rigorous testing and have demonstrated its on-road capabilities to a number of potential customers. The response to the vehicle’s power, smooth ride and quietness, all with zero emissions, has been outstanding. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary this year, the timing of our all-new, zero-emission electric bus product line couldn’t be better. We are excited to be bringing Blue Bird electric power to the school bus market next year!”
