Lisle, Ill.-based IC Bus, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar Inc., says it will fulfill an order by Indianapolis Public Schools for 100 CE Series school buses powered by the Power Solutions International (PSI) 8.8-liter LP propane engine.
IC Bus says the vehicles are being built at the IC assembly plant in Tulsa, Okla., and will be delivered by its dealer, Midwest Transit Equipment, in Whitestown, Ind.
“We are excited to refresh nearly half of our fleet with the propane-powered CE Series buses and look forward to seeing the benefit of using an alternative, clean burning fuel to transport our students safely and on time,” says Monica Coburn, transportation director of Indianapolis Public Schools.
Purpose-built for the school bus industry, the CE Series with the PSI propane engine is designed to provide diesel-like performance with higher torque at lower engine speeds, according to IC Bus. The high-torque, low-speed design benefits stop-and-start applications to allow immediate acceleration after stops and greater hill-climbing capability.
The company holds that this not only improves startability and gradability, but also eliminates excessive noise, heat and vibration associated with constant engine revving. Minimal revving reduces engine wear, oil usage and maintenance while increasing durability and efficiency.
Deliveries, which began in June, are expected to be complete this summer in time for back-to-school transportation needs.
