nerships with both Canadian and U.S. school boards that are comfortable with the OEM’s platform, as well as its dealer support network. Tis makes the electric version an easy transition for drivers, Girardin said, as it behaves similarly to an internal combustion engine. Te only difference between the G5 Electric and its gasoline or propane relatives is a different
chassis. Girardin explained that adding the electric drive entails merely a bolt-in, bolt- out chassis conversion performed at its electric drive partner, which he declined to name for this article. But it’s located near the Micro Bird plant, which allows for the chassis modification to be made before the vehicle is driven over to the manufacturing line for the regular body build.
“Tere is a minimal conversion and in-
vasiveness,” Girardin added. “It’s swapped in very easily.”
High pride of ownership starts with low cost of ownership.
Tis means additional costs are kept at a minimum, and the finished product promises to provide a similar experience to customers that are used to the Micro Bird brand. “Te quality is the same, the platform is the same,” Matrosov added. “All we are going to be doing is some research and understanding the elec- tric components. Tat will be interesting.” So is the sticker shock, but as in the U.S., grant dollars are helping. In fact, Matrosov utilized $400,000 from a total pot of $8 million that was available from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, to pay for the first G5 Electric, as well as the Level-2 charging station. Te grant also covers driver and me- chanic training, he said. In fact, the mechanics already installed the charger and it’s “ready to go” for the arrival of the bus in a matter of weeks. Matrosov said driving the Micro Bird is like driving a Tesla. “You can’t hear it,” he added. “Tis will be, by far, the most fuel-efficient type of vehicle we will have in our fleet.” Tanks to the Ontario grant, the electric price tag didn’t scare off Matrosov, but he acknowledged the price point. “We will be monitoring the cost effectiveness of the bus as we begin services,” he added. “We have also communicated with both manufacturer and school boards on future increase in electric school buses for use, and will watch to see how the vehicle performs and develops as we continue discussions with both parties on how we can increase our fleet size with the electric G5s.”
The Cooper® WORK Series™ has been designed and engineered with
proprietary technology to keep your fl eet moving. These Smartway verifi ed tires are perfect for regional hauling, pickup and delivery, and buses; delivering the right mix of fuel effi ciency, durability, and warranty that you demand.
CooperTruckTires.com
“Micro Bird and Blue Bird 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.” — Steve Girardin, Micro Bird
52 School Transportation News • JULY 2018
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
