Thomas Built Buses, a division of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, has announced the launch of the Saf-T-Liner eHDX2 Wattson, its first electric Type D, or “transit-style,” school bus. The new model is built on the existing HDX2 platform and is intended for school districts seeking to expand fleet electrification with a familiar, large-capacity vehicle. The company says it has incorporated customer feedback and its experience in electric vehicle manufacturing to create a bus suited for long-term fleet planning.
The Wattson uses Accelera’s 14Xe electric axle, a fully integrated unit that combines the electric motor, gearbox and power electronics. This design, previously featured in Thomas Built Buses’ Jouley Gen 2, aims to improve driving performance, minimize mechanical complexity and reduce maintenance requirements.
Technical specifications for the Wattson include a 246 kWh liquid-cooled battery system, peak output of 295 horsepower, 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 20 kW onboard charger, providing additional flexibility for AC charging. Charging ports are located at the rear by default, with an optional front charging port available.
The bus is scheduled to be available for order by the end of 2025, with initial deliveries projected for late 2026.
Source: Thomas Built Buses