Collins Bus has recently made an exciting announcement, revealing that their zero-emissions Ford E-Transit Type A School Bus is now open for orders as of Monday, May 1st.
What makes the E-Transit particularly remarkable is that it is the first Type A School Bus to run on an electric powertrain from a full-line automaker. The grand introduction of this groundbreaking vehicle took place at NTEA’s Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, Indiana, back in March 2023. Ford Pro, the driving force behind this innovation, has designed the Type A school bus package to feature a fully electric powertrain, boasting a 68 kWh high-voltage battery, and an impressive 8-year/100K-mile warranty.
Bryce Pfister, the Vice President and General Manager of Collins Bus, expressed his admiration for the company’s commitment to driver and passenger safety innovation, a reputation established through their exceptional bus structure designs, driver visibility, and driver safety features. With the integration of Ford’s E-Transit chassis, Collins Bus aims to expand its dedication by adopting zero-emissions technology to protect our environment.
The advantages of the Collins school bus extend far beyond its zero emissions capabilities, thanks to the inclusion of the Ford E-Transit. For instance, its narrow-body design allows for effortless vehicle maneuverability, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience. Furthermore, this remarkable bus incorporates the industry’s largest view-out window, effectively reducing blind spots and enhancing overall visibility. The innovative structure of the Collins school bus features an exclusive one-piece tubular roof bow design, guaranteeing unparalleled structural integrity. To further instill confidence, the bus comes with a 5-year body warranty and a limited lifetime paint warranty.
Raj Sarkar, the Ford Pro General Manager Product Marketing and Strategy, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Ford and Collins Bus in providing mobility solutions for school systems. Sarkar expressed his delight in now being able to offer a more sustainable choice for their customers through the E-Transit. Particularly for use-cases involving condensed routes, the Type A school bus package on the E-Transit represents an exceptional zero-emissions solution for student transportation.
Interested buyers will be pleased to know that the Collins Type A School Bus is offered on Ford’s T-350 single-rear-wheel E-Transit cutaway. It comes with various flexible floor plans, accommodating up to 12 seated passengers or 8 seated passengers and two wheelchairs. With its remarkable features and commitment to sustainability, the Collins Bus and Ford collaboration presents an enticing opportunity for educational institutions seeking an eco-friendly and reliable transportation solution.
