Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of the iconic yellow school buses that can be seen on roads all across the United States. The company has been making significant strides in the electric school bus market, with an increasing number of their buses now being powered by electricity.
Recently, Thomas Built Buses unveiled their second-generation electric school bus, the Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley. This new model comes with several improvements over the first-generation version that was introduced in 2017.
One of the key upgrades is the inclusion of an eAxle from Accelera, a division of Cummins. Unlike the first-generation model that had a driveshaft connecting the electric motor to the axle, the eAxle setup integrates the motor, gearbox, brakes, wheel hubs, and rear differential into a single unit. This not only reduces weight and complexity but also enhances acceleration and torque by minimizing the mechanical connection between the motor and wheels.
Accelera eAxle for Thomas Built electric school buses
The new Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley also features an 800-volt electrical system from Proterra and various design enhancements for easier maintenance. Thomas Built is currently producing a 219-inch wheelbase version capable of accommodating up to 60 passengers, with additional wheelbase options planned for later release. The switch to eAxle technology allows for shorter minimum wheelbases, improving maneuverability.
Electric school buses have made significant progress in recent years, with Oakland, California, leading the way by operating an all-electric fleet. The Biden Administration’s support for electric vehicles, including funding for school districts to purchase electric buses, has been crucial in driving this shift towards cleaner transportation.