US-based bus manufacturer Collins Bus has collaborated with the vehicle technology developer Westport to launch its dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) Type A school bus.
The CNG powered bus is said to offer an estimated range of 250-300miles, decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 15% and reduce operating costs.
Collins builds the buses on Ford E-450 6.8L cutaway chassis supported backed by a Ford Factory 5-year / 60,000-mile engine and powertrain warranty, and features the Westport WiNG Power System dedicated natural gas fuel system.
Collins Bus Allied Specialty Vehicles' bus division president and CEO Kent Tyler said: "As Ford's largest qualified vehicle modifier, Westport's CNG expertise and proven technology allows us to offer the most reliable clean energy Type A school bus model available to meet the evolving needs of our dealers and diverse customer base."
Westport vice president Paul Shaffer said, "Our team of engineers worked with Ford and Collins Bus to conduct extensive simulations and physical crash-testing to meet the stringent school bus safety requirements."
Collins Bus features wide range of floor plan configurations, ADA accessible packages that can accommodate 18 to 28 passengers, largest passenger-side cab view out window and an exterior storage compartment with 120lbs capacity.
Image: Collins CNG Bus. Photo: Courtesy of Collins Bus Corporation.
