battery capacity. However, Girardin said there will still be detractors in the industry who question range, and he noted that electric school buses are not a viable solution in every market. But he said the alignment of politi- cal will with financing in key North American regions makes this the right time to join the market. He added that electric is the perfect companion to propane, the company’s other alternative fuel with partners Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech. Propane has been a popular choice across both the U.S. and Canada for its relatively straightforward infrastructure and demonstrated operational ROI, in terms of not only fuel cost but vehicle maintenance.
And while on the surface a 100-mile range seems to be adequate for most school bus routes, he said the industry needs other options. “Electric will have its limitations with range and charging. Some kind of internal com- bustion engine technology will be needed for longer range and continuous operations. Propane is a good complement,” he explained. “At Micro Bird and Blue Bird, we continue to invest in technologies and in what customers want. I think we sell 10 times more green solutions than all our competitors combined, and we want to maintain that.” As Wheelchair Accessible Transit looks to expand to other regions of
Ontario, Matrosov said the company is already planning to purchase Type C propane school buses. “We have always looked for a new and efficient greenhouse type vehicle,” he added.
THE FAMILIARITY FACTOR Micro Bird eyes the G5 Electric as key to upholding decades of part-
The Electric Blue Print
Micro Bird’s Steve Girardin said market acceptance of electric school buses, first and foremost, relies on battery cost, continued political will and government funding. System and vehicle performance will also be key. He said electric maturity will be fully realized when the market fully understands requirements of the zero-emissions vehicle.
These include charging infrastructure; operational limitations; total cost of ownership, including battery degradation and replacement; after- sales service and support; the identification of a secondary market; and manufacturer and dealer experience and reputation.
He added electric is also complementary to the greenhouse gas reduction strategy with propane. Girardin said Micro Bird is well-positioned to deliver on all of these, which he added gives the manufacturer the potential of doubling its sales every year.
See Us At Booth #539
Buck’s Since 1951
Buck’s Wheel & Equipment “We are the school bus parts specialists”
Buck’s Wheel & Equipment is your #1 source for School Bus Parts. Buck’s Wheel supplies all your major bus parts including Switches, Lights, Seats, Seat Covers, Bluebird, Tomas and also International parts. Please contact your sales representative for any further details and shipping.
Service Dept. • Collision Center • Parts Dept. • Spring Shop Serving the Industry for Over 65 Years.
5101 North Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76179
www.buckswheel.com
50 School Transportation News • JULY 2018
Bucks_0718_HH.indd 1
Phone: 817-332-1228 Toll Free: 800-792-1011
6/6/18 11:08 AM
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