North America’s leading school bus manufacturer, Thomas Built Buses (TBB), and Proterra, a prominent commercial EV and battery maker, announced a significant milestone in sustainable school transportation. The companies revealed that their electric school buses have surpassed one million miles driven across the continent, marking a significant step in transitioning the nation’s fleet.
Diesel-powered school buses have been found to emit over 40 toxic air contaminants and other fine particle matter, which can cause respiratory issues and asthma. Given that over 25 million children take the school bus each year, it is imperative that the nation’s fleet shifts towards a more sustainable transportation system.
The Saf-Liner C2 Jouley, TBB’s fully electric school bus, powered by Proterra’s EV technology and battery, has been gaining popularity among school districts due to its many benefits. In addition to zero-emission travel, electric school buses offer a more comfortable ride, save districts on costly gas and maintenance, and are favored by students for their quiet and comfortable ride.
TBB’s SAF-T Liner C2 Jouley can accommodate up to 81 passengers and boasts an operating range of 135 miles and a total energy capacity of 226 kWh from Proterra’s battery system. With the NS PV360 multi-camera system, drivers have a 360-degree view of the vehicle.
Over 300 SAF-T-Liner electric school buses are already on the road, and more and more districts are taking advantage of the remarkable benefits. Nicki Rini, Director of Freightliner Specialty Vehicles Mobility Group, said that reaching the milestone “is a testament to our commitment to sustainable transportation.” Together, Thomas Built and Proterra are paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient future for our kids, communities, and the transportation industry.
Thomas Built and Proterra make it easy for school districts to convert with a complete turn-key EV program that includes consultations, electric buses, charging systems and infrastructure, and installation. With the companies’ shared commitment to sustainable transportation, transitioning to a cleaner, safer, and more efficient school bus system has never been more accessible.
