Thomas Built Buses launches new generation Jouley electric school bus (with Accelera’s powertrain)

North American school bus manufacturer Thomas Built Buses (part of Daimler Truck group) announced the launch of the second-generation Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley battery-electric school bus. It’s the second iteration of its flagship electric school bus, originally introduced in 2017 and elected eligible for funding in 2019.

Production of the second-generation Jouley in the 219-inch (5.5-meter) wheelbase has already begun, the OEM says. Additional wheelbase options will be coming in 2025.

Jouley school bus powered by the Accelera 14Xe eAxle

At the core of the second-generation Jouley is the 14Xe eAxle from Accelera by Cummins, the zero-emissions brand of Cummins. A compact, all-in-one power source, the 14Xe eAxle integrates the motor, two-speed transmission, disc brakes and rear-drive gear set into one package mounted on the rear axle. It removes the need for a traditional driveshaft. This design, coupled with Accelera’s ELFA inverter, delivers power directly to the wheels.

Optimized performance with the Proterra 800V battery

The second-generation Jouley is equipped with an 800-volt Proterra battery system, whose capacity is not specified. This upgrade also supports the integration of additional components like air conditioning, heaters and other essential features.

The second-generation Jouley offers a new 219-inch wheelbase, “a highly requested feature by customers that accommodates up to 60 passengers. Accelera’s eAxle enables shorter wheelbase architectures, significantly improving the overall maneuverability of the vehicle and making the bus ideal for navigating tight spaces and fitting into service bays”, the OEM states.

“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. School buses are an ideal application for electrification, and we are excited about the positive impact this innovation will have on communities and the environment.”

“We are proud to introduce the second generation of our Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, a product that reflects our commitment to innovation, meeting the evolving needs of our customers and driving the future of sustainable student transportation,” said T.J. Reed, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “With features that enhance efficiency, performance and serviceability, the new Jouley delivers unmatched value for both current electric bus operators and new adopters who are ready to embrace cleaner, smarter solutions.”