Thomas Built Buses just launched the second generation of its Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus originally unveiled in 2017 – here’s what’s new.
A Smarter powertrain with Accelera’s eAxle
The second-gen Jouley is all about being more efficient, better performance, and being easier to service. At the heart of it is the 14Xe eAxle from Accelera, Cummins’ zero-emissions brand. This piece of tech combines the motor, transmission, brakes, and rear-drive gear into one compact unit on the rear axle. By ditching the traditional driveshaft, the eAxle is lighter, simpler, and more efficient. It sends power straight to the wheels, which means smoother rides, better acceleration, and improved torque.
Proterra’s 800-volt battery ramps up performance
The Jouley’s new 800-volt Proterra battery helps the bus handle steep hills, accelerate more quickly, and integrate extras like air conditioning and heating without sacrificing performance. This means it can easily handle all terrains, from flat roads to mountainous routes.
Easier to fix and keep running
Thomas Built’s next-gen electric school bus doesn’t just drive better; it’s also easier to maintain. The eAxle’s simplified design means fewer moving parts and centralized components, which cuts down on repair time and costs.
Technicians will appreciate updates like a new 12-by-12-inch floor panel, which gives direct access to high-voltage connectors without having to remove the battery packs. Plus, a relocated heating loop surge tank makes everyday maintenance even simpler. The focus here is to get buses back on the road faster.
Room for more passengers
The second-gen Jouley offers a new 219-inch wheelbase, letting it carry up to 60 passengers, a feature many operators have been asking for. The shorter eAxle also makes the bus easier to maneuver, whether it’s navigating tight school parking lots or fitting into smaller service bays.
A tech-forward driver experience
Drivers will notice the sleek new LCD digital dash, which feels more like a modern car than a traditional school bus. It displays more detailed diagnostics and operational data, with animations that make key info easy to understand. Software updates will roll out new features over time so the bus stays up-to-date without needing hardware changes.
The 219-inch wheelbase version of the Jouley is already in production at Thomas Built’s High Point, North Carolina factory, with more wheelbase options set to roll out in 2025.
Read more: Oakland is now first in the US to deploy a 100% electric school bus fleet – and it’s V2G
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