Overview

What is the Blue Bird All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG?

Blue Bird’s All American Rear Engine is a transit Type D school bus that has a 66-90 passenger capacity with wheelbases ranging from 189 to 273 inches but instead of operating on diesel, the bus operates on compressed natural gas.

Why did Blue Bird develop a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered school bus?

Blue Bird began offering CNG-powered school buses in 1991 in response to customer demands for a safe alternative fuel school bus that would meet stringent environmental standards. This launch was followed in 1992 with the first Blue Bird All American Rear Engine powered by CNG. Since then, Blue Bird has continued to improve its CNG offering so that this established Blue Bird product reflects the latest advancements in the school bus and alternative fuel industries for increased safety, reliability, and efficiency. The most recent development of Blue Bird’s CNG offering has been the integration with the Cummins ISL-G engine. The compressed natural gas school bus product joins Blue Bird’s full product line to fulfill Blue Bird’s goal of offering customers the choices they need to fit their individual market needs.   

What are the benefits of using a compressed natural gas-powered school bus?

Benefits of using a compressed natural gas-powered school bus include reduced fuel costs, tax credits, lower emission levels, fewer oil changes, and better performance among alternative fuel vehicles. Using alternative fuel-powered school buses also reduces North America’s reliance on foreign fuels.

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What type of engine does the Blue Bird All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG use?

The All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG uses a Cummins Westport ISL-G engine. With over 16,000 Cummins Westport engines in service worldwide, the All American Rear Engine powered by CNG utilizes a recognized engine platform to provide high levels of performance.

How does CNG affect the engine’s performance?

The Cummins ISL-G natural gas engine reports horsepower and torque capabilities roughly comparable to a diesel engine of the same rating, while also producing low emission and noise levels. Based on the Cummins engine platform, the ISL-G is engineered for alternative fuel optimization, providing fuel economy and low emissions levels without sacrificing power and performance.

Where do I go for service?

Service is available through your local Authorized Blue Bird Dealer. 

What type of tax credits are available?

In the United States, customers are eligible for a $0.50 tax credit (or rebate for nontaxable entities if they dispense their own fuel) on every gasoline-gallon-equivalent of CNG fuel purchased. Additional state funding may also be available. View the tax incentives page for more information on available resources. 

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What is the fuel range of the Blue Bird All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG?

The fuel range of the Blue Bird All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG is approximately 300 miles.

Where can I buy the fuel?

Over 1500 natural gas vehicle fueling stations exist in the United States (over half of which are available for public use). Such fueling stations are supported by 300,000 miles of transmission pipelines. An additional 1.9 million miles of distribution pipes transport gas within utility service areas. The distribution system also includes thousands of delivery, receipt, and interconnection points; hundreds of storage facilities; and more than 50 points for exporting and importing natural gas.  Therefore, an infrastructure is in place to fulfill customer fueling needs. For more information, go to Blue Bird’s CNG infrastructure information on this website or visit the US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator (http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator/) to find a CNG fueling station in your area.  

In addition to accessing public CNG fueling stations, CNG-powered Blue Bird All American Rear Engine customers may take advantage of a variety of infrastructure solutions such as purchasing their own on-site fueling stations. Other customers choose to work with a local utility company to have a fueling station installed on-site for customer use that the utility actually owns and maintains. Still other customers choose to lease a CNG station from other operators. CNG offers customers flexibility to develop whatever refueling plan best meets their needs. Infrastructure incentives and grants can further assist with determining a fuel source for the Blue Bird All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG. 

Is refueling difficult with compressed natural gas?

No. Refueling with compressed natural gas is simple and convenient. CNG pumps looks similar to gasoline or diesel pumps and utilize a fueling nozzle. These fueling nozzles lock onto the CNG receptacles, and form a leak-free seal, which prevents any spills or evaporative losses. (Even if a leak were to occur in a Natural Gas Vehicle fuel system, the natural gas would dissipate up into the air because it is lighter than air.) 

There are two basic types of CNG fueling equipment – fast-fill and time-fill.  In fast-fill, the combination of a large compressor coupled with a high-pressure storage tank system (called a cascade) fills the tank in about the same amount of time it takes to fuel a comparable petroleum vehicle.  A time-fill system does not have a storage system and has a much smaller (and less expensive) compressor. Customers using a time-fill often refuel their vehicles overnight.

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 Frequently Asked Questions about Compressed Natural Gas:

What is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)?

Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odorless, and non-corrosive. Although vehicles can use natural gas as either a liquid or a gas, most vehicles use the gaseous form compressed to pressures above 3,100 pounds per square inch.

Natural gas has a high octane rating and excellent properties for spark-ignited internal combustion engines. It is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-carcinogenic. It presents no threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater. Most natural gas is extracted from gas and oil wells. Much smaller amounts are derived from supplemental sources such as synthetic gas, landfill gas and other biogas resources, and coal-derived gas. Natural gas accounts for approximately one quarter of the energy used in the United States.

Is CNG safe?

Yes, CNG is a safe alternative fuel that is nontoxic and nonpoisonous and has a narrow range of flammability. Compressed natural gas is stored on board vehicles in tanks that meet the most stringent safety standards in the world. For added protection, these fuel tanks are located between the frame rails of the Blue Bird All American Rear Engine powered by CNG.

See the CNG Safety Section  for additional safety facts regarding compressed natural gas. 

Is compressed natural gas dangerous to the environment?

No. Compressed Natural Gas is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels and an approved clean fuel listed in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. It is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-carcinogenic. It presents no threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater. Exhaust emissions from a CNG-powered vehicle are much lower than those from gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, dedicated Natural Gas Vehicles produce little or no evaporative emissions during fueling and use. In gasoline vehicles, evaporative and fueling emissions account for at least 50 percent of a vehicle's total hydrocarbon emissions. Finally, compressed natural gas reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Per unit of energy, natural gas contains less carbon than any other fossil fuel, and thus produces lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per vehicle mile traveled. 

How readily available is compressed natural gas?

The United States has a vast natural gas distribution system, which can quickly and economically distribute natural gas to and from almost any location in the contiguous 48 states. Over 1500 natural gas vehicle fueling stations exist in the United States (over half of which are available for public use). Such fueling stations are supported by 300,000 miles of transmission pipelines. An additional 1.9 million miles of distribution pipes transport gas within utility service areas. The distribution system also includes thousands of delivery, receipt, and interconnection points; hundreds of storage facilities; and more than 50 points for exporting and importing natural gas.  Therefore, an infrastructure is in place to fulfill customer fueling needs. For more information, go to Blue Bird’s CNG infrastructure information (link to infrastructure page) on this website or visit the US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator (http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator/) to find a CNG fueling station in your area.  

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Who uses compressed natural gas?

CNG is a trusted and reliable energy source that is used by millions of Americans and Canadians each day. Natural gas accounts for approximately one quarter of the energy used in the United States, with applications ranging from residential, commercial, and industrial uses to electric power production to transportation fuel. 

There are about 130,000 Natural Gas Vehicles on U.S. roads today and over 5 million worldwide. There are approximately 3,000 CNG powered school buses in operation today, and roughly 25 percent of all new city transit bus orders are for natural gas.

How long has compressed natural gas been used as a fuel?

Natural gas has been used as a commercial motor fuel for more than 70 years, but gained real popularity in the 1960’s. There are about 130,000 Natural Gas Vehicles on U.S. roads today and over 5 million worldwide. There are approximately 3,000 CNG powered school buses in operation today, and roughly 25 percent of all new city transit bus orders are for natural gas.

Where do I go to find out more about Compressed Natural Gas?

For more information on compressed natural gas, contact Natural Gas Vehicle for America (NGVAmerica) at www.ngvamerica.org.  NGVAmerica is a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or hydrogen. NGVAmerica represents more than 100 companies interested in the promotion and use of natural gas and hydrogen as transportation fuels, including: engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers fleet operators and service providers natural gas companies and environmental groups and government organizations. 

Additional information is also available from the Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC, formerly known as the Alternative Fuels Data Center) at http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/index.html. The AFDC provides a wide range of information and resources to enable the use of alternative fuels (as defined by the Energy Policy Act of 1992), in addition to other petroleum reduction options such as advanced vehicles, fuel blends, idle reduction, and fuel economy.

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Technology Advancements with Blue Bird’s All American Rear Engine powered by CNG

Blue Bird’s All American Rear Engine powered by CNG utilizes the latest advancements in compressed natural gas technology for the school bus industry, including the Cummins Westport ISL-G engine and the XXX fuel tanks. Such advancements lead to alternative fuel optimization, providing fuel economy and low emissions levels without sacrificing power, performance, or safety. 

Cummins Wesport’s ISL-G CNG Engine

ISL-G Features

• Stoichiometric Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) – Uses high EGR rates in combustion process in place of excess air (Lean Burn). Creates an oxygen free exhaust allowing for the use of a three way catalyst.
• Cummins Cooled EGR – lowers in cylinder temperature and reduces oxygen concentration.
• New Electronic Control Module – provides full monitoring and control of engine sensors, fuel system and ignition system.
• Three Way Catalyst – simple passive device, highly effective hydrocarbon, CO, and NOx control.
• Low installed weight – highest power to weight ratio in its class.
• Meets EPA and CARB 2010 emissions standards
• Will meet EEV in 2008.

ISL-G Benefits

• Improved fuel efficiency with Stoichiometric EGR combustion.
• Improved clutch engagement torque.
• No exhaust system related maintenance costs.

(Source: Cummins Westport; http://www.cumminswestport.com/products/islg.php)

Fuel Tanks

Blue Bird’s CNG offering utilizes 4 fuel tanks manufactured by Structural Composites Industries (SCI). SCI’s aluminum lined composite cylinders have a perfect safety record with over 1.6 million put into service in the last 30 years. The tank integrity is only strengthened by positioning the tanks between the frame rails for added protection. 

CNG is stored on board vehicles in high-pressure (3,000-3,600 pounds per square inch) in tube-shaped cylinders.  The cylinders meet very rigorous safety standards. They are made of high-strength materials designed to withstand impact, puncture and, in the case of fire, their pressure relief devices (PRDs) provide a controlled venting of the gas rather than letting the pressure build up in the tank.

Blue Bird’s All American Rear Engine powered by CNG can help school districts and other customers dramatically reduce fuel expenses while simultaneously reducing toxic idling emissions. Customers who are unfamiliar with CNG as a motor fuel and its corresponding infrastructure needs should not less this unfamiliarity deter them from exploring the use of this safe and efficient alternative fuel.

Customizable Solutions to Meet Customer Needs

Customers of the All American Rear Engine powered by CNG have a multitude of choices for fulfilling their CNG infrastructure needs. These tailored infrastructure solutions include the following:

• Utilize existing public CNG fueling stations
• Invest in a customer-owned, on-site fueling station
• Work with a local utility company to have a fueling station installed on-site for customer use that the utility actually owns and maintains
• Lease a CNG station from other operators.

CNG offers customers flexibility to develop whatever refueling plan best meets their needs. Infrastructure incentives and grants can further assist with determining a fuel source for the Blue Bird All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG.

Established Infrastructure for CNG

Whether customers are interested in refueling sites for day-to-day operations or simply for the occasional distance trip, many opportunities exist for taking advantage of the established CNG network. Over 1500 natural gas vehicle fueling stations exist in the United States (over half of which are available for public use). Such fueling stations are supported by 300,000 miles of transmission pipelines. An additional 1.9 million miles of distribution pipes transport gas within utility service areas. The distribution system also includes thousands of delivery, receipt, and interconnection points; hundreds of storage facilities; and more than 50 points for exporting and importing natural gas.  Therefore, an infrastructure is in place to fulfill customer fueling needs. For more information, visit the US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator (http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/locator/) to find a CNG fueling station in your area. 

Cost Incentives

Federal and state grants as well as available fuel credits and tax incentives can offset the initial cost difference between the All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG and a similarly equipped diesel-powered bus, making the switch to alternative fuel-powered fleets particularly attractive. Furthermore, the long-term savings from reduced fuel, maintenance, and upkeep costs creates a distinctive advantage of investing in an alternative fuel fleet

United States Tax Credits and Incentives

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an attractive fuel choice due to the cost savings the use of CNG can provide to fleet owners. With the escalating cost of gasoline and diesel, new emissions regulations for 2010, and the requirements for ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), business owners are reconsidering their fleet fuel choices.

The tax incentives that took effect October 1, 2006 by the passage of the 2005 Energy and Highway bills create a significant growth opportunity for the CNG 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, CNG used in motor vehicles is eligible for a 50-cent per gasoline-gallon-equivalent tax credit. With proper documentation of the number of gallons of CNG 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
• CNG 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 gasoline-gallon-equivalent of CNG fuel purchased, visit ngvamerica.org/incentives 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 CNG 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 ngvamerica.org/incentives 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 CNG. This Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit provides for an income tax credit for the purchase of a new, dedicated alternative fuel vehicle of 50 percent of the incremental cost of the vehicle, plus an additional 30 percent if the vehicle meets certain tighter emission standards.  Find more information on the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit at ngvamerica.org/incentives 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 All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG. 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)

Blue Bird’s All American Rear Engine Powered by CNG 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 FMVSS 304 Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Container Integrity.

Natural gas and NGVs (natural gas vehicles) have a remarkable safety record based on two main principles:

• The physical properties of natural gas, including compressed natural gas, make it safer than most other fuels.
• The fuel systems designed for NGVs are built to stringent standards.

Safety Properties of Compressed Natural Gas

• CNG has a very narrow range of flammability compared to gasoline or diesel
• CNG is lighter than air. If a leak were to develop, the gas would rise and disperse through the atmosphere giving little chance for ignition. Gasoline and diesel are both denser than CNG and therefore tend to pool if a leak develops.
• CNG is odorless, so a distinctive odorant that smells very much like strong sulfur is added prior to distribution. This strong odor makes the presence of a leak very easy to detect.
• CNG is non-toxic and therefore safe for the environment 

Stringent Safety Standards for Vehicles Powered by CNG

• Includes all standard safety equipment as diesel-powered Blue Bird products
• <insert safety fact about structural ingegrity of tanks>
• Built with automatic release valves. In a situation of excessive heat or pressure build-up, the valve will open and release the gas to the atmosphere—and since it is lighter than the surrounding air, it will rise and dissipate. The low threshold is set well above ambient temperatures and the high threshold is set well below the ignition temperature of the gas.
• Includes a manual shut-off valve if the need arises