Micro Bird propane bus achieves low-NOx certification
Micro Bird debuted a Type A propane autogas school bus with low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
The company’s G5 Type A bus is equipped with Roush CleanTech’s Gen 5 propane fuel system and received a certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for meeting the optional low-NOx emissions standard of 0.05 grams per brake hp-hour, making it 75 percent cleaner than federal U.S. emission standards, Roush CleanTech says.
Type A buses, made of a bus body constructed on a cutaway front-section vehicle, usually carry nine to 36 students.
Micro Bird buses integrating Roush CleanTech’s Gen 5 system reduce NOx and greenhouse gas emissions, which helps optimize fuel efficiency, the company says. In addition, the buses can operate on renewable propane to further reduce emissions and carbon intensity values.
More than 40 school districts across North America operate nearly 300 Micro Bird Type A propane buses. According to Roush CleanTeach, propane autogas reduces maintenance costs and wear on the engine and components. On average, the fuel costs about 40 percent less than gasoline and 50 percent less than diesel.
“Every district wants to lessen students’ exposure to damaging exhaust that can have negative health effects on children,” says Steve Girardin, president of Micro Bird. “With the Micro Bird G5 propane bus’s new CARB certification, we help our customers lower their carbon footprint.”