Propane Powered Vision
The Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision® school bus is a conventional Type C school bus which runs on propane instead of diesel fuel. Unlike “retrofit” alternative fuel systems of the past, the Propane-Powered Vision is a fully integrated and purposely built Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) bus, engineered to the same exacting standards as other Blue Bird buses. Designed and built for maximum quality and reliability, the Propane-Powered Vision® meets all applicable School Bus Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) while offering several distinct advantages, including:
- Meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification requirements for the 2010 production year
- Provides a safe, attractive and viable alternative fuel choice amidst rising diesel fuel prices
- Allows for operators to receive tax incentives for purchasing both propane-powered school buses and propane fuel, including a 50-cent rebate on every gallon of propane purchased
- Lowers operating and maintenance costs
Literature
Propane Powered
Propane Powered Activity
Propane Benefits
Technology
Technology Advancements with Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Vision
The Propane-Powered Vision School Bus utilizes the latest advancements in propane technology, including the Liquid Propane Injection System (LPI™), developed by CleanFUEL USA and the GM Vortec 8.1 liter engine.
CleanFUEL USA’s Liquid Propane Injection System™
The Liquid Propane Injection System (LPI™) used to power the bus differentiates the Propane-Powered Vision® from diesel-powered school buses. Not just another LPG conversion or retrofit system, CleanFUEL USA’s technology is a fully integrated system, designed in complete harmony with the OEM engine.
Utilizing the original GM engine Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with a dedicated calibration specifically for propane, the LPI™ system replaces the diesel fuel tank, fuel pump and injector rails with a propane fuel tank, fuel pump and injector rails. LPI™ is a direct replacement for the OEM gasoline injection system. Providing the best balance of fuel economy, performance and emissions, LPI™ meets EPA requirements through the 2010 production year for both 49-state and CARB certification while offering unsurpassed economics of ownership and operation, including:
- More complete combustion
- Lower emissions
- Improved fuel economy and performance
Most drivers report improved acceleration, smoother shifts and better overall drivability compared to other propane-powered buses.
LPI™ is engineered to maximize the inherent design benefits of today’s engines. Because the system delivers fuel to the engine in a liquid form, there are no additional components traditionally found on U.S. propane engine fuel tanks. The tanks are built to meet and exceed the highest quality standards with additional corrosion, structural and functional elements, bringing a new level of safety and durability to the North American market. All LPI™ fuel tanks are ASME1 certified and compliant with NFPA2 58.
GM Vortec 8.1 Liter Engine
The GM Vortec 8.1 liter engine platform received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification in March 2006, with a rating of 0.5 grams of non-methane hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NMHC+NOx) per brake-horsepower-hour. With pending certifications to the new 2008 emission standards, the Propane-Powered Vision® will offer unmatched emissions and lower operating costs through 2010.
Refueling Plan
Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Vision® can help school districts and other customers dramatically reduce fuel expenses while simultaneously reducing toxic idling emissions. However, many customers are unfamiliar with propane fuel and infrastructure. To facilitate an effortless purchasing experience, Blue Bird Corporation and its Dealer Network will team with propane marketers throughout North America to offer customers a plan for purchasing fuel and refueling equipment that is:
- Safe:
Recognizing that safety is first, the propane fuel marketer will be responsible for training and certifying the proper dispensing of propane motor fuel.
- Seamless:
The propane marketer will assist customers with providing a seamless set-up experience by not only providing the initial equipment and fuel but also by providing service and maintenance on the equipment as well as any needed training. These combined efforts ensure that fleets maximize on-route time.
- Cost Effective:
The propane marketers can provide a cost effective infrastructure solution by building the cost of the fuel dispensing equipment and storage tanks (skid system) into a fuel contract. This may eliminate a major capital expense for school districts and other customers.
- Scalable:
The scalable infrastructure program can allow organizations to trade-up equipment as their propane fleets grow. As more dispensers and larger storage tanks are needed, adjustments can be made to accommodate the customer.
Infrastructure Resources:
One specific infrastructure solution is for Blue Bird dealers and customers to work with CleanFUEL USA (www.cleanfuelusa.com) and its established relationships with propane fuel providers across the United States such as Ferrellgas (http://www.ferrellgas.com/motorfuel) who serves approximately 1 million customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To take advantage of these relationships for your organization, contact your local authorized Blue Bird dealer.
Additional propane retailers may be found by visiting www.usepropane.com and clicking on the link “Find A Propane Retailer.”
Cost Incentives
Cost Incentives
Federal and state grants as well as available fuel credits and tax incentives can make the initial cost difference negligible between the Propane-Powered Vision and a similarly equipped diesel-powered bus, making the switch to alternative fuel-powered fleets particularly attractive. Additionally, the switch to propane-powered buses can serve as a significant cost savings for fleet owners over time through reduced amounts of money spent on fuel, maintenance and upkeep, lending further credence to the initial investment and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the life of the product.
United States Tax Credits and Incentives
Propane is becoming increasingly attractive as a cost savings opportunity for fleet owners. With the escalating cost of gasoline and diesel, new emissions regulations for 2007 and 2010, and the
requirements for ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), business owners are reconsidering their fleet fuel choices.
The tax incentives that took effect December 31, 2005 and October 1, 2006 by the passage of the 2005 Energy and Highway bills create a significant growth opportunity for the propane engine fuel market, including the following three federal tax incentives available from the IRS:
Volumetric Excise Tax Credit (VEETC): 50-Cent-Per-Gallon Federal Tax Credit
Under the Volumetric Excise Tax Credit, propane used in motor vehicles is eligible for a 50-cent-per-gallon federal motor fuel tax credit. With proper documentation of the number of gallons of propane purchased, there are no limits to the amount that can be claimed under this tax credit. Additionally, the VEETC tax credit applies to many different customer groups including:
- Non-profit Agencies (including most school districts)
- Private Companies
- State and Local Government Entities
- Private Individuals
- Propane Suppliers
In cases where an organization’s tax credit is higher than the income tax owed, the organization may receive the remainder of the credits as a refund. For more information on how to take advantage of saving 50-cents on every gallon of propane fuel purchased, visit the Railroad Commission of Texas’ Guide to VEETC (http://www.propane.tx.gov/rebate_program/rebatepdfs/motor-fuel-taxcredit-FAQ.pdf) or contact your local Blue Bird Dealer.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
The alternative vehicle refueling property credit allows companies to claim a 30 percent tax credit for the cost of installing a propane vehicle refueling station for use in a trade or business of the taxpayer, or installed at the principal residence of the taxpayer. This tax credit may not exceed $30,000. Additionally, tax credits for a residential refueling station may not exceed $1,000. For more information on the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, visit the Railroad Commission of Texas’ Credit Summary (http://www.propane.tx.gov/rebate_program/rebatepdfs/AFVpropertycredit.pdf) or contact your local Blue Bird Dealer.
Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit
The Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit provides a credit for qualified vehicles powered by an alternative fuel, including propane. This Alternative the Propane-Powered Vision and a similarly equipped diesel school bus. Find more information on the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit at the Railroad Commission of Texas’ Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit description (http://www.propane.tx.gov/rebate_program/rebatepdfs/AFVtaxcredit.pdf) or contact your local Blue Bird dealer.
Other Resources
In addition to these three federal tax credits, many other opportunities exist to save money with the Propane-Powered Vision school bus. Visit the following resources for more information various federal, state, and local savings opportunities:
- Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/incentives_laws.html)EPA Clean School Bus USA (www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus) EPA’s Smart Growth Program (www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/topics/transportation_funding.htm) EPA Performance Partnership Grants (www.epa.gov/ocir/nepps/pp_grants.htm) U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Program (www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities)
Safety
The Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Vision School Bus is built to the same exacting safety standards as other Blue Bird products and meets all School Bus Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS), including CMVSS 301.1 Fuel System Integrity for Liquefied Natural Gas.
Propane has a long history of serving as a safe and reliable alternative fuel choice:
- Propane has a remarkable safety record, due in large part to the stringent codes and regulations developed by the propane industry and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Worldwide use of propane has shown that based on per capita of use, propane has one of the best automobile safety records of any fuel – conventional or alternative.
- Propane has been used as a commercial motor fuel for more than 80 years.
- In the United States more than 190,000 propane-powered vehicles are in use today and approximately 60,000 propane vehicles are operating in Canada.
- Worldwide, more than 10 million vehicles operate on propane.
Propane has Built-In Safety Properties:
- Propane has a narrow range of flammability when compared to other petroleum products, and it has the lowest flammability range of any fossil fuel.
- Propane gas is nontoxic and nonpoisonous and produces minimal emissions.
- Propane is not harmful to soil or water.
- Propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than conventional fuel tanks.
- The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has a number of safety programs available for use.
The propane industry has established methods to make the transport/use of propane safe:
- Propane equipment is manufactured to rigorous safety standards.
- In the rare event of a leak, propane dissipates into the air and doesn’t puddle.
- Because it is released from a pressurized container as a vapor, propane cannot be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels.
- Because propane is virtually odorless and colorless in its natural state, a commercial odorant is added so it can be detected if it leaks from its container.
- Propane vehicle tanks are constructed from carbon steel, in compliance with a code developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
- New propane cylinders are manufactured with an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) that shuts off the filling process when the tank reaches 80percent of its liquid capacity. This allows for changes in fuel volume caused by temperature variations, without any release of gas from the tank.
- Propane engine fuel systems are fitted with safety devices and shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel line ruptures.