Thomas Built Expects Little Impact to EV School Bus Production from Proterra Bankruptcy

How much impact will Proterra’s voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing have on the production of Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school buses, which use Proterra batteries?

Not much, according to the bus manufacturer.

Kevin Bangston, Thomas Built Buses president and CEO, told School Bus Fleet: "Proterra’s ability to fulfill Thomas Built customer orders is not expected to be impacted by this recent decision. Proterra has indicated that it intends to operate under the ordinary course of business and does not anticipate disruption to manufacturing or supply. Daimler Truck North America and Thomas Built collaborate closely with Proterra Powered and direct communication, monitoring and process engagement will remain in place to optimize continued supply for our mutual customers.”

Proterra took this step to try and strengthen its financial position while maintaining business continuity for customers like Thomas Built Buses. The company’s battery technology is used in more than 20 commercial vehicle applications in the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions.

“While our best-in-class EV and battery technologies have set an industry standard, we have faced various market and macroeconomic headwinds that have impacted our ability to efficiently scale all of our opportunities simultaneously. As commercial vehicles accelerate towards electrification, we look forward to sharpening our focus as a leading EV battery technology supplier for the benefit of our many stakeholders,” said Gareth Joyce, Proterra CEO.

The company announced in January that it would cut 300 jobs and move its battery and bus manufacturing operations to South Carolina.