Blue Bird All American RE: Diesel, CNG, and Electric Options Compared
Fleet managers choosing a Blue Bird All American RE face one decision that shapes the next 12 to 15 years of operating cost: which fuel platform to spec. The All American RE school bus comes in three powertrain configurations at Ross Bus: diesel, CNG, and electric. Each one makes sense for different route profiles, fuel budgets, and infrastructure situations. This comparison covers what actually differs between them so you can match the bus to your operation, not the other way around. When you are evaluating an All American school bus for your fleet, the fuel choice is the decision you will live with longest.
Cummins Diesel: The Default That Still Makes Sense
The diesel All American RE runs the Cummins B6.7 engine, rated between 200 and 300 horsepower, paired with an Allison 2500 or 3000 series automatic transmission. This is the powertrain most fleet directors are already familiar with. Cummins parts and service are available almost anywhere in the country, which matters for districts that operate across multiple states or contract with regional service shops.
Diesel offers the longest effective range per fill, typically 300 to 400 miles depending on route conditions and load. The 60 to 100 gallon fuel tank capacity on the All American RE gives districts flexibility in fueling schedules. For districts running long rural routes with limited access to alternative fueling stations, diesel remains the practical default.
The trade-off is emissions compliance and fuel price volatility. Modern diesel engines run ultra-low sulfur fuel and meet current EPA standards, but the aftertreatment systems (DPF, SCR, DEF) add maintenance complexity and cost compared to earlier mechanical diesel platforms. Diesel fuel pricing fluctuates with petroleum markets, making annual fuel budgets harder to pin down.
Key specs for the diesel RE:
- Engine: Cummins B6.7, 200-300 hp
- Transmission: Allison 2500 or 3000 PTS, 5 and 6 speed automatic
- Fuel capacity: 60-100 gallons
- GVWR: Up to 36,200 lbs
- Seating: Up to 84 passengers
- Wheelbase options: 189", 217", 245", 259", 273"
CNG: Stable Pricing and Lower Emissions
The CNG All American RE uses the Cummins ISL-G engine, a proven natural gas platform that produces significantly lower particulate matter and NOx emissions than diesel. For districts under emissions mandates or pursuing clean fleet initiatives, CNG is the most direct compliance path short of going electric.
The operational advantage of CNG is fuel cost stability. Natural gas can be purchased under long-term contracts at fixed rates, often around $1.00 to $1.50 per diesel gallon equivalent. This makes annual fuel budgeting far more predictable than diesel. Districts that have on-site CNG fueling infrastructure or can share fueling stations with municipal transit fleets see the strongest return on investment.
The challenges with CNG are range and infrastructure. CNG tanks take up more space and add weight, which reduces the effective range compared to diesel. Districts without an existing CNG fueling station face a significant capital investment to build one. CNG also requires trained fueling and maintenance personnel, though the learning curve is manageable for shops already servicing diesel engines.
Ross Bus carries the CNG All American RE and can walk you through infrastructure requirements for your district.
Electric: Zero Emissions, Limited Range
The electric All American RE is the newest option in the lineup and the one that draws the most questions from fleet directors. Blue Bird's electric platform delivers zero tailpipe emissions and near-silent operation, which matters for districts running routes through residential neighborhoods, school zones with anti-idling policies, or areas with air quality nonattainment status.
Electric buses produce significantly lower per-mile energy costs than diesel or CNG, but the total cost of ownership depends heavily on charging infrastructure, utility rate structures, and route length. The current generation of electric school buses has a practical range of roughly 100 to 120 miles on a single charge under typical route conditions, though cold weather and HVAC load can reduce that figure. Districts with shorter, predictable routes and overnight charging capacity at the depot are the best fit.
Maintenance on electric buses is simpler in some respects (no oil changes, no transmission fluid, fewer brake pad replacements due to regenerative braking) and more complex in others (battery diagnostics, inverter service, specialized high-voltage training for technicians). Parts availability is improving but does not yet match the diesel aftermarket.
Ross Bus stocks the All American RE Electric and can help you evaluate whether your routes, charging infrastructure, and maintenance capacity line up with electric operation.
Which Fuel Platform Fits Your District
The right choice depends on three factors: route distance, fueling infrastructure, and maintenance capacity. Districts running long rural routes with established diesel infrastructure should stay with diesel unless emissions mandates force a change. Districts near CNG fueling stations or willing to invest in on-site compression equipment should evaluate CNG for its stable pricing and emissions advantages. Districts with short, predictable routes, overnight depot charging, and a mandate for zero emissions should test electric on a limited number of routes before committing the fleet.
Every All American RE platform, regardless of fuel, shares the same body construction: one-piece steel roof bows, formed wheel wells, full off-the-chassis undercoating, and a 50-degree wheel cut for the tightest turning radius in the transit-style category. The body and chassis do not change between fuel types. What changes is the powertrain, the fuel storage system, and the maintenance profile.
If you are still evaluating whether the All American RE is the right Blue Bird school bus for your district, you can browse the full All American lineup at Ross Bus or call 1-800-587-9032 to speak with a fleet specialist who can walk you through specs, pricing, and delivery timelines for every fuel variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the All American RE and FE?
The All American RE mounts the engine at the rear, giving the driver an unobstructed forward view and producing the tightest turning radius in the transit-style category (50-degree wheel cut). The All American FE mounts the engine in the front, similar to a conventional layout but with the flat-nose body. The FE offers easier engine access for maintenance, while the RE offers better forward visibility and maneuverability in tight spaces.
What fuel options does the Blue Bird All American RE offer?
The All American RE is available in three powertrain configurations: diesel (Cummins B6.7, 200-300 hp), CNG (Cummins ISL-G), and electric. Each platform shares the same body, seating capacity (up to 84 passengers), and structural features. The diesel variant offers the longest range and the broadest service network. CNG provides stable fuel pricing and lower emissions. Electric delivers zero tailpipe emissions for shorter routes.
Who is the authorized Blue Bird All American dealer in Louisiana?
Ross Bus, located at 2913 N. Bolton Ave. in Alexandria, Louisiana, is the authorized Blue Bird dealer for the state. Ross Bus has been selling and servicing Blue Bird buses for over 40 years and can be reached at 1-800-587-9032.
What is the seating capacity of the All American RE?
The All American RE seats up to 84 passengers, depending on the floor plan and wheelchair lift configuration. It offers more capacity than the conventional Blue Bird Vision, which seats up to 77 passengers.