KANSAS CITY – Thomas Built Buses will debut leading technologies and innovations at the NAPT trade show October 30. The Thomas Built booth will feature key technological advancements in electrified vehicle technology and the newest diesel engines to hit the market.
“It’s a new world in electrification and, as electric vehicle technology evolves at lightning fast speed, Thomas Built Buses is working with visionary partners to deliver groundbreaking innovations. It’s another chapter in our commitment as part of Daimler Trucks North America to provide sustainable solutions,” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “This year at NAPT we not only are showcasing some of the newest innovations in diesel power, but we are showcasing cutting-edge future technologies in electrification.”
Highlights in Thomas Built Buses’ booth include:
Saf-T-Liner eC2 Electric Bus – Thomas Built’s all-electric school bus, the eC2 features all of the attributes you expect from the legendary C2, with no vehicle emissions, no noise pollution and even greater savings on maintenance and fuel costs. The Saf-T-Liner eC2 powered by Proterra will be on display accompanied by Thomas Built’s partners in EV technology, Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI), Meritor, Inc. and Proterra, Inc. Key features of the new eC2 on display include new options for greater range (up to 150 miles), charging options for AC and DC power and greater overall efficiency. Thomas Built Buses will also showcase the only DC charging option in the industry and an example of the first-ever e-axle mobility option.
Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Equipped with Detroit DD5 Engine with Detroit Connect Virtual Technician Remote Diagnostics Service – The popular Saf-T-Liner C2 will be equipped with the new Detroit DD5 engine, the latest in medium-duty engine technology. This new engine delivers power, performance, best-in-class fuel economy, reliability, easier maintenance and a low total cost of ownership. It features top-load oil and fuel filters and the longest service intervals in its class, with up to 45,000-mile oil and fuel filter change intervals, or 18 months or 1,500 hours, whichever comes first.
It meets 2017 greenhouse gas (GHG17) standards, utilizing such innovative technology as variable exhaust cam phasing, which allows additional heat into the exhaust. This new technology enables efficient operation of the after treatment system in low-speed stop-and-go operations, which is ideal for school buses, and dramatically decreases the after treatment headaches currently experienced by many fleets.
The DD5 engine also comes equipped with the Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics service, the most in-depth and the only telematics solution of its kind in the industry.
The Saf-T-Liner C2 will also showcase cutting-edge technologies and safety features such as a collision warning system, pedestrian detection and the PV360® multi-camera, among others.
Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX, Equipped with Detroit DD8 engine with Detroit Connect Virtual Technician Remote Diagnostics Service – The Detroit DD8 engine is a 7.7L in-line 6-cylinder medium-duty engine specifically tailored to the demanding requirements of Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX. It boasts a horsepower range of 260-300HP and a torque range of 660–860 lb.-ft.
The DD8 offers longer maintenance intervals and improved fuel efficiency. It meets 2017 greenhouse gas (GHG17) standards and utilizes a global medium-duty engine platform that benefits the pupil transportation market particularly well. It also employs such innovative technology as variable exhaust cam phasing for more efficient after treatment system performance helping reduce issues previously experienced in low-speed or stop-and-go operations.
The DD8 also offers Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics service, the most advanced connectivity platform in the pupil transportation industry.
“We are excited to bring our customers the latest and greatest in diesel and electrification technologies,” continued Edgerly. “At NAPT this year, you’ll see groundbreaking innovations of today and future technologies that soon will be hitting the market.”
About Thomas Built Buses
Founded in 1916, Thomas Built Buses is a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America. Since the first Thomas Built bus rolled off the assembly line, the company has been committed to delivering the smartest and most innovative buses in North America. Learn more at thomasbuiltbuses.com or at facebook.com/thomasbuiltbuses.
Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, N.C., is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America, LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a leading manufacturer of class 4-8 vehicles. Daimler Trucks North America produces and markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Daimler Trucks North America is a Daimler company.
About Detroit
Detroit offers a complete line of heavy-duty and medium-duty diesel engines, axles, transmissions, safety systems and connected vehicle services for the commercial transportation industry in both the on-highway and vocational markets. Detroit™ products are sold and serviced through a network of hundreds of locations throughout North America. Detroit™ is a brand of Detroit Diesel Corp., a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America, LLC.
