Summary
- Thomas Built Buses manufacturers electric yellow school buses in the U.S.
- Second-generation model unveiled with changes like an eAxle from Accelera
- Changes improve weight, maintenance costs, acceleration, and torque
- 800-volt electrical system from Proterra adopted for easier maintenance
- Biden Administration dedicated funding for school districts to purchase electric school buses
Article
Thomas Built Buses, a major manufacturer of yellow school buses in the U.S., is making significant strides in the electric school bus market. The company recently unveiled its second-generation electric school bus, the Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, which features various improvements over the first-generation model. One key change is the adoption of an eAxle from Accelera (a division of Cummins), which combines the motor, gearbox, brakes, wheel hubs, and rear differential into a single unit. This design reduces weight and complexity, lowers maintenance costs, and enhances acceleration and torque by minimizing the mechanical connection between the motor and wheels.
In addition to the eAxle, the new school bus also incorporates an 800-volt electrical system from Proterra, a well-known manufacturer of electric transit buses. Thomas Built has made other modifications to make maintenance more convenient, such as adding a floor access panel for the high-voltage junction box and relocating the body heating loop surge tank to the left side of the bus for easier accessibility. The company is currently producing a 219-inch wheelbase version of the electric school bus that can accommodate up to 60 passengers, with additional wheelbase options expected to be available later in the year. The switch from driveshafts to eAxle technology allows for shorter minimum wheelbases, resulting in improved maneuverability.
The development of electric school buses has rapidly progressed since 2014, when the first electric school bus entered service in the U.S. Oakland, California has made significant strides by achieving an all-electric fleet by August 2024. The electric school bus sector received a boost from the Biden Administration, which allocated billions of dollars in funding for school districts to acquire them. However, there are concerns that the anti-electric vehicle stance of the Trump Administration could potentially reverse these policies. Despite the potential political challenges, the electric school bus market continues to expand and evolve.
Electric school buses have gained popularity due to their environmental benefits, reduced operating costs, and improved performance. In addition to being quieter and emitting zero tailpipe emissions, electric school buses offer lower operational costs compared to traditional diesel buses. The advancements in electric vehicle technology, such as the eAxle system used in the second-generation Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, have made electric school buses more efficient and reliable. These technological enhancements, combined with government incentives and support, are driving the adoption of electric school buses across the country.
Thomas Built Buses’ commitment to innovation and sustainability is reflected in its development of electric school buses that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. By leveraging advanced technologies like the Accelera eAxle and Proterra’s electrical system, the company is able to offer electric school buses that are efficient, reliable, and easy to maintain. With the continued growth of the electric school bus market and the support of government initiatives, the transition to electric school buses is expected to accelerate, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable future for school transportation. Overall, the evolution of electric school buses represents a significant step towards reducing emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing the overall efficiency of school transportation systems.
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