Thomas Built Buses unveils electric school bus powered by Accelera eAxle
At the core of the second-generation school bus is the 14Xe eAxle from Accelera by Cummins. The bus is equipped with an 800-volt Proterra battery system that improves startability, gradeability and acceleration.
Thomas Built Buses, a manufacturer of school buses in North America, announced the launch of the second-generation Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley battery-electric school bus. As the second iteration of its flagship electric school bus, originally introduced in 2017, the Jouley incorporates customer-driven improvements and technological advancements to create a product that excels in efficiency, performance and serviceability.
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. This next-generation traction technology is backed by 25 years and one billion miles of real-world transportation experience. 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, making the drivetrain lighter, more efficient and reducing complexity. This design, coupled with Accelera’s ELFA inverter, delivers power directly to the wheels, enhancing acceleration and torque for a smoother ride.
Optimized performance with the Proterra 800V battery
The second-generation Jouley is equipped with an 800-volt Proterra battery system that improves startability, gradeability and acceleration. The higher voltage along with the eAxle makes it ideal for diverse terrains, including hills and mountains. This upgrade also supports the integration of additional components like air conditioning, heaters and other essential features without compromising performance.
“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.”
