| Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision®:
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| Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision®: Frequently Asked Questions about Propane:
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What is the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision School Bus?
Blue Bird’s Vision is a conventional Type C school bus that has a 47-77 passenger capacity with wheelbases ranging from 189 to 273 inches but instead of operating on diesel, the bus operates on propane.
What makes the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision School Bus different from other school buses currently on the market?
This propane-powered bus provides most of the same body and chassis features as Blue Bird’s conventional Type C bus. The only major difference is that this bus is fueled by propane with the ROUSH CleanTech Liquid Propane Autogas Fuel System instead of diesel.
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What are the benefits of using a propane-powered school bus?
Benefits include reduced fuel costs, tax credits, lower emission levels, fewer oil changes, and better performance among alternative fuel vehicles. The Propane-Powered Vision also provides school districts with another fuel option besides diesel and CNG.
What is the cost of a Propane-Powered Vision Bus?
The Propane-Powered Vision school bus is approximately $10,000-15,000 more than a similarly equipped diesel-powered school bus. While the initial cost is more, when you factor in the federal and state grants, and the fuel credits you may be eligible to receive, the up-front cost may be negligible. Additionally, the amount of money you save over time in fuel, maintenance and upkeep, is well worth the initial investment.
Will the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision buses operate on gasoline?
No. The ROUSH CleanTech Liquid Propane Autogas Fuel System replaces the gasoline fuel system with a propane system. It is designed and engineered to run on propane only.
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What type of engine does the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision School Bus use?
The bus uses a Ford 6.8L engine with a propane fuel system.
How does propane affect the engine’s performance?
Fleet operators report horsepower and torque capability roughly comparable to gasoline.
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Where can I buy the fuel?
Approximately 70,000 miles of interstate pipelines and more than 2,500 public and 10,000 private refueling locations exist throughout the United States. In Canada, there are approximately 2,500 outlets for dispensing propane. Therefore, an infrastructure is in place to provide the appropriate number of filling stations. There are also more than 5,000 propane marketers who will work with you to ensure you have easy access to refueling stations.
Is refueling difficult with propane?
No. Refueling is simple and quick. Propane’s fueling rate, 10 to 12 gallons per minute is comparable to that of gasoline or diesel. This translates into savings in time and money compared with other alternative fuels. Because propane is delivered through a sealed system (thereby protecting the environment), a simple threaded connection is used.
Where do I go for service?
Service is available through your local Blue Bird dealer or Ford repair center.
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 gallon of propane fuel purchased. Additional state funding may also be available. View the tax incentives page for more information on available resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Propane:
What is propane?
Propane is a nontoxic, colorless, and odorless gas produced from natural gas processing and crude oil refining. At ambient (normal) temperature it is a gas and a liquid under pressure. It emits fewer lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline or diesel.
Is propane safe?
Yes, propane is a safe alternative fuel that is nontoxic and nonpoisonous. Propane has a narrow range of flammability and because it is released as a vapor from a pressurized container it cannot be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels.
The propane vehicle tanks are tested to four times the normal operating pressures, and are 20 times as puncture resistant as gasoline tanks. Furthermore, as with other Blue Bird products, the fuel tanks are located between the frame rails of the bus for added protection.
See the Propane Safety Section for additional safety facts regarding propane.
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Is propane dangerous to the environment?
No. Propane is an approved clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and 2005. Propane is one of the cleanest burning fuels of all fossil fuels.
Tests conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show that propane fueled vehicles produce 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and about 50 percent fewer toxins and other smog-producing emissions than gasoline engines. Propane is also nontoxic, so it’s not harmful to soil, water or humans.
How readily available is propane?
With approximately 70,000 miles of interstate pipelines and more than 2,500 public and 10,000 private refueling locations throughout the United States, propane is readily available. Additionally, 90 percent of the U.S. propane supply is produced at existing domestic facilities.
In Canada, there are approximately 2,500 outlets for dispensing propane – a distribution network that surpasses the reach of any other alternative fuel in Canada. Produced in all regions of Canada, the main hubs are Edmonton, Alberta and Sarnia, Ontario.
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Who uses propane?
Propane is a trusted and reliable energy source that is used by millions of Americans and Canadians each day. It fulfills energy needs by burning cleanly and efficiently, giving consumers more value for their energy dollar. People use propane in and around their homes for furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, outdoor grills, fireplaces, and appliances; on farms for uses such as pest control, crop drying, and irrigation pumps; for industrial uses such as forklifts and fleet vehicles; and in millions of commercial establishments, including restaurants and hotels that depend on propane for heating, cooking, and other uses.
How long has propane been used as a fuel?
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.
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How cost-effective would it be to switch to propane as my fuel source?
Propane operating costs for fleet vehicles range from 5 to 30 percent less than conventional or reformulated gasoline. Overall, propane is the least expensive alternative to gasoline.
Where do I go to find out more about Propane?
For more information on propane, contact the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) at www.propanefreedom.com or call Jeremy Wishart or Ingrid Bechard at 202.452.8975. PERC was formed to promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source and to educate the public about propane and propane safety.
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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 ROUSH CleanTech (www.roushcleantech.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
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 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:
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.