KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thomas Built Buses will debut key technological advancements in electric vehicle technology and the newest diesel engines at the NAPT trade show on Tuesday.

“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,” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “It’s another chapter in our commitment as part of Daimler Trucks North America to provide sustainable solutions.”

Edgerly added that the manufacturer is also showcasing future electrification technologies.

Highlights at Thomas Built Buses’ booth will include:

Saf-T-Liner eC2 Electric Bus: 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, according to the manufacturer. Thomas Built Buses will also showcase a DC charging option and an example of an e-axle mobility option.

Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2,equipped with Detroit DD5 Engine with Detroit Connect Virtual TechnicianSM Remote Diagnostics Service: The Saf-T-Liner C2 will be equipped with the new Detroit DD5 engine. This new engine is designed to deliver 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, with up to 45,000-mile oil and fuel filter change intervals, or 18 months or 1,500 hours, whichever comes first, according to the manufacturer.

The engine also meets 2017 greenhouse gas (GHG17) standards, utilizing technology that includes variable exhaust cam phasing, which allows additional heat into the exhaust. This new technology is designed to enable efficient operation of the aftertreatment system in low speed stop-and-go operations.

Additionally, the DD5 engine comes equipped with the Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics service.

The Saf-T-Liner C2 will also showcase technologies and safety features such as a collision warning system, pedestrian detection, and the PV360 multi-camera.

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 tailored to meet the demanding requirements of Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX. It features a horsepower range of 260-300 horsepower and a torque range of 660 to 860 lb.-ft.

The DD8 offers longer maintenance intervals and improved fuel efficiency. It meets 2017 GHG17 standards and utilizes a global medium-duty engine platform. It also employs variable exhaust cam phasing for more efficient aftertreatment system performance, in an effort to help reduce issues previously experienced in low-speed or stop-and-go operations.

The DD8 also offers Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics service.

Meanwhile, Thomas Built Buses reports that it has sold out of its 2018 allocation of the DD5 engine.
However, customers can still order the DD5 engine for 2019 delivery by contacting their local Thomas Built Buses dealer.