Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley
| |
| Years of manufacture | 2017 to present |
| Length | up to 40 feet |
| Width | 96 inches |
| Power/Fuel | Battery-electric |
The Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley (also called the Saf-T-Liner eC2) is a battery-electric-powered type-C school bus. It is Thomas' first fully-electric bus and was launched at the 2017 National Association for Pupil Transportation Conference and Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio. Production was expected to commence in 2019.[1]
The pre-production C2 Jouley was equipped with the PowerDrive™ 7000ev powertrain from Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. It could travel up to 120 miles with an option for an extended range. With a standard J1772 charger, the bus could be fully charged in approximately eight hours (nominal charge of four to six hours). Integrated exportable power enabled the transfer of stored energy onboard the bus back into the electrical grid.[1]
For the 2018 IAA trade show, the C2 Jouley received a revised grill and headlights. Like Freightliner's other electric vehicles, the grill is gloss black with chromed strips and blue LED accents. The headlights are tinted.
In September 2018, Proterra announced that they were collaborating with Daimler to integrate their technology into Daimler vehicles.[2] The production C2 Jouley uses Proterra’s drivetrain and battery systems. With a 60 kilowatt J1772 charger, the bus can be fully recharged in approximately three hours and operate for up to 134 miles (initially 120 miles). The Proterra-powered C2 Jouley made its debut at that year’s National Association for Pupil Transportation Conference and Trade Show.[3]
The announcement of their first large order for the C2 Jouley came in December 2019 when Thomas announced that they were selected as the provider 50 electric school buses for the initial phase of Dominion Energy’s electric school bus replacement program in Virginia.[4]
The battery capacity of the C2 Jouley was upped to 226 kilowatt hours from 220 in 2021. This also allowed for a range increase to 138 miles.[5]
At the end of 2021, Meritor announced that they will supply their Blue Horizon 14Xe drivetrain for the next generation C2 Jouley. The intended agreement will span five years and is expected to start in January 2024.[6] The axle comprises of a 295 horsepower (peak) motor, two-speed transmission, disc brakes, and rear-drive gear in one package.
Thomas officially introduced the Jouley Gen 2 in January 2025, featuring a 246 kWh, 800V battery system from Proterra as well as the aforementioned Meritor 14Xe drive axle. Range has increased to 150 miles, and the bus can be fully recharged in two to three hours with a DC charging station. A new 219 inch wheelbase was also introduced.
Specifications
| Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase: 158", 179", 199", 219", 238", 259" or 279" | ||
| GVWR: | ||
| Electric drive | ||
| DC power, 295 peak horsepower | ||
| 2 speed transmission | ||
| Battery system | ||
| Proterra up to 220 kilowatt hour, liquid cooled | 2017 to 2021 | |
| Proterra up to 226 kilowatt hour, liquid cooled | 2021 onwards | |
| Over-the-air battery management software updates | ||
| Charging | ||
| Standard SAE J1772 | ||
| Nominal charge in 2-3 hours at a DC charging station | ||
Operators
United States
- Ann Arbor Public Schools - Ann Arbor, MI
- Holcomb Transportation - Bellmawr, NJ
- Roberts Hawaii
- Roseville Community Schools - Roseville, MI
- Student Transportation Inc. (Rick Bus Co.) - Trenton, NJ
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Thomas Built Buses Debuts New Saf-T-Liner® C2 All Electric School Bus. 04 November 2017. Press release. Thomas Built Buses.
- ↑ Proterra Closes $155 Million Investment from Daimler, Tao Capital Partners, G2VP and Others. Press release. Proterra. 19 September 2019.
- ↑ Proterra and Thomas Built Buses Debut Electric School Bus. Press release. Proterra. 30 October 2018.
- ↑ Thomas Built Buses’ Jouley Selected for Phase One of Dominion Energy’s Electric School Bus Initiative. Press release. 17 December 2019. Thomas Built Buses.
- ↑ Thomas C2 Jouley flyer. 2021.
- ↑ “ Daimler Trucks North America selects Meritor to Supply 14Xe ePowertrain for Next Generation School Bus”. Press release. 07 December 2021.