Thomas Built Buses debuts second-gen electric school bus

The second-generation Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley battery-electric school bus. (Photo: Thomas Built Buses)

Thomas Built Buses announced the launch of the second generation of its Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus, a product that T.J. Reed, president and CEO, said “reflects our commitment to innovation, meeting the evolving needs of our customers and driving the future of sustainable student transportation.”

“With features that enhance efficiency, performance and serviceability,” he continued, “the new Jouley delivers unmatched value for both current electric bus operators and new adopters who are ready to embrace cleaner, smarter solutions.”

Originally introduced in 2017, the second-generation Jouley features the 14Xe eAxle from Accelera by Cummins. The compact, all-in-one power source integrates the motor, two-speed transmission, disc brakes and rear-drive gear set into one package mounted on the rear axle. Its shorter wheelbase architectures improve the overall maneuverability of the vehicle, making the bus suited for navigating tight spaces and fitting into service bays.

The eAxle design, coupled with Accelera’s ELFA inverter, delivers power directly to the wheels, which Thomas Built Buses said enhances acceleration and torque for a smoother ride. The streamlined design also simplifies maintenance by reducing the number of moving parts and centralizing major components.

At the core of the second-generation Jouley is the 14Xe eAxle from Accelera by Cummins. (Photo: Thomas Built Buses)

“Partnering with Thomas Built Buses to deliver the next-generation eAxle technology for the Jouley is an exciting step to decarbonize commercial transportation,” said Brian Wilson, general manager of eMobility for Accelera. “The 14Xe eAxle elevates expectations for performance, efficiency and serviceability, setting a new standard for the industry.”

The Jouley’s higher voltage 800-volt Proterra battery system improves startability, gradeability and acceleration. Combined with the eAxle, it makes the buses suitable for diverse terrains, including hills and mountains, plus supports the integration of additional components like air conditioning, heaters and other features.

A new 12 in. x 12 in. toe board floor access panel allows direct access to high-voltage junction box connectors without removing the battery packs. In addition, the body heating loop surge tank has been relocated to the left side of the bus for easier access to further simplify maintenance tasks.

The new liquid-crystal display (LCD) digital dash supports a wider range of visual information, including crucial diagnostics and operational data. Future updates can be implemented through software alone, enabling ongoing technological enhancements without hardware changes.

The second-generation Jouley offers a new 219-in. wheelbase that accommodates up to 60 passengers. Production of the Jouley in the 219-in. wheelbase has already begun. Additional wheelbase options will be coming in 2025.