COLTON, Ca. (December 1, 2017) —The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced that the Blue Bird All American RE bus qualifies for their HVIP Incentive program. This program is intended to encourage and accelerate the deployment of Zero-Emission trucks and buses.
The program awards up to $95,000 per bus plus an additional $15,000 for vehicles located in disadvantaged communities and $10,000 for the first three (3) vouchers in any fleet for a total of $120,000. The program currently has over $19 million in funding for this fiscal year, with $32.6 million added this month, which more than covers all existing requests with additional funds coming in early 2018.
According to the California HVIP website, vehicle dealers, and distributors who are eligible for the program work directly on the buyer’s behalf to reduce the initial cost of the vehicles they wish to purchase.
“School districts, as well as school bus Contractor fleets, will see a huge benefit from this program,” said John Landherr, president of A-Z Bus Sales in California. “As the authorized Blue Bird dealer for California, we apply for the funding on the buyer’s behalf, making the process seamless.”
The Blue Bird All American Electric RE integrates an ADOMANI/EDI drivetrain and vehicle control software and telematics, delivering zero-emissions driving with outstanding vehicle performance and torque. The all-electric drivetrain system changes the 150kwh battery system in under 8 hours using a Level 2 charger while providing up to a 100-mile range.
“As the only manufacturer with a Type D Electric school bus in the market, we are thrilled to qualify for the California HVIP program,” said Phil Horlock, president, and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “The exclusive drivetrain offered on these buses is a proven technology, with over 2.5 million miles of driving in multiple applications. We are confident that customers will enjoy this new bus, all while producing zero emissions!”
Blue Bird unveiled the All American Electric RE bus and Micro Bird G5 Electric bus at the STN tradeshow in July 2017, as well as the Vision Electric Type C bus at the NAPT trade show in November of 2017. All of these buses will start production in 2018. For those interested in learning more, please contact A-Z Bus Sales for more information by visiting their website at http://www.a-zbusonline.com/azmain.
About Blue Bird Corporation: Celebrating its 90th year in business, Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture, and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete line of buses, visit www.blue-bird.com.
About A-Z Bus Sales, Inc.
A-Z Bus Sales, Inc. is a transportation dealer-distributor serving the education, government, public sector, commercial and private fleet markets with a broad portfolio of passenger transportation solutions. The employee-owned company specializes in green alternative fuel products. A-Z provides sales, service, parts, and financing for both new and pre-owned buses. Founded in 1976, A-Z Bus Sales has built a reputation for long-lasting customer relationships, professionalism and integrity, and the share positions in markets served. Headquartered in Colton, California the company has multiple sales and service locations serving California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. More information is available at www.a-zbus.com or by calling 800.437.5522.
About ADOMANI/EDI
ADOMANI, Inc. is a provider of zero-emission electric and hybrid vehicles and replacement drivetrains that is focused on reducing the total cost of vehicle ownership. ADOMANI helps fleet operators unlock the benefits of green technology and address the challenges of traditional fuel price instability and local, state and federal environmental regulatory compliance. ADOMANI along with their technology partner EDI designs, manufactures, and installs advanced zero-emission electric and hybrid drivetrain systems for use in new school buses and medium to heavy-duty commercial fleet vehicles.
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