The USA switches their school buses to electric

The renewal of school buses is a massive market, and the shift to electric is at the heart of concerns.

The change in mindsets is a highly influential ripple effect. Sometimes unexpected. Due to the increasing sensitivity of parents to climate change issues, families in the United States are now applying pressure on their elected officials to accelerate the move away from fossil fuels.

The rise of electric cars in the United States is very significant, much more than in Europe. The momentum of Elon Musk and Tesla is not unrelated. Therefore, it is now school buses that are at the center of an incredible commercial war between players.

The historic manufacturer of the yellow and square bus, Thomas Built Buses, is now the owner of the German Daimler Truck. No question of changing the aesthetic style, but the mechanics. And here it presents the second generation of its flagship electric model, the Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley. First introduced in 2017, the Jouley has already won over more than 1,000 customers in North America. This new version, designed to meet the growing needs of schools, stands out with technological innovations and increased flexibility.

A Revolutionary Electric Axle

At the core of this evolution, the 14Xe electric axle developed by Accelera, the zero-emission technology division of Cummins Inc., offers significant improvements. Combining motor, transmission, brakes, and rear axle into a single unit, this axle reduces weight and simplifies bus design. By removing the traditional drive shaft, the vehicle gains in efficiency and maneuverability, while delivering enhanced performance thanks to a system that transmits power directly to the wheels. This configuration also helps lower maintenance costs, which is a strategic advantage for school transportation operators.

One of the most anticipated innovations is the introduction of a 5.56-meter wheelbase, allowing transport of up to 81 passengers. This compact format, made possible by the integration of the eAxle from Accelera, is ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces or fitting existing infrastructure. Moreover, the power and performance of the bus are optimized with an 800-volt Proterra battery system, offering a capacity of 246 kWh. These advances translate into better acceleration, increased ability to climb hills, and smoother driving thanks to a power of 220 kW (295 horsepower).

Up to 240 km of range

The daily routes to drop off students are well known, making electric a very suitable solution. The top speed reaches 65 miles/hour (about 105 km/h), and accelerating to 100 km/h requires… 49 seconds. The absence of a gear shift is also very beneficial.

Regarding charging, it is set at 90 kW, allowing a full charge in about 5 hours overnight. During the day, if needed, a 2-3 hour quick charge will suffice to keep the bus operating in rotation.

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