Thomas Built Buses, a division of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, has announced the launch of the Saf-T-Liner eHDX2 Wattson, its first Type D, or “transit-style,” electric school bus. The new model is based on the existing HDX2 platform and is intended for school districts looking to expand the electrification of their fleet with a familiar large-capacity vehicle. The company says it took into account customer feedback and its experience in electric vehicle manufacturing to develop a bus suitable for long-term fleet planning.
The Wattson uses Accelera's 14Xe electric axle, a fully integrated unit that combines the electric motor, transmission and power electronics. This design, already used in Thomas Built Buses' Jouley Gen 2, aims to improve driving performance, minimize mechanical complexity and reduce maintenance requirements.
The Wattson's technical specifications include a 246 kWh liquid-cooled battery system, peak power of 295 hp, 750 lb-ft of torque, and a two-speed transmission. The bus has an estimated range of up to 150 miles per charge.
The bus features standard CCS DC charging capability, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) support and an optional 20kW onboard charger, providing additional flexibility for AC charging. The charging ports are located on the back as standard; a charging port on the front is available as an option.
The bus should be available for order by the end of 2025, and the first deliveries are planned for the end of 2026.
Source: Thomas Built Buses