IC Bus reported that sales of its propane school buses continue nationwide, with a large purchase recently being made by Franklin County Schools in Alabama.
IC Bus is partnering with dealer Southland International Trucks, Inc. to provide the district with 44 CE Series school buses, each of which is powered by the Power Solutions International (PSI) 8.8-liter LP propane engine. Delivery of the buses will begin this summer, and they will all be delivered to the district by the start of the 2018-2019 school year.
Designed to run like diesel buses, the propane buses also provide higher torque at lower speeds. The company said in a statement that this design “greatly benefits stop-and-start applications to allow immediate acceleration after stops and greater hill climbing capability.” The reduction of “excessive noise, heat and vibration associated with constant engine revving,” the statement continued, ultimately “reduces engine wear, oil usage and maintenance, while increasing durability and efficiency.”
Donald Borden, assistant superintendent for FCS, expressed appreciation for the fact that “these new propane buses will improve our community environmentally, while also reducing our operating costs.”
The order from FCS is only part of a trend that sees propane IC school buses being purchased by districts around the U.S. “We are seeing strong sales of our propane-powered school buses throughout the country and this sale is another example of continued interest in our alternative powertrains to transport students to and from school,” shared Trish Reed, VP/GM for IC Bus.
