Vision for an Electric Future

From Kevin Bangston , president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses?

The school bus industry currently sits at an inflection point.??

Since 2020, we have navigated the global impacts of a pandemic, supply chain disruptions and driver shortages, but these challenges have only fueled our determination to shape the future.

At Thomas Built Buses, we are committed to shaping a future wherein every school bus ride is safer, cleaner and more enjoyable. From further improving our electric buses to exploring new safety technologies, we are excited to share how we envision this transformation.?

There is no better application for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) than school buses. Not only do school buses have ideal usage patterns for electric powertrains (with set routes, start times and down times), but they also help remove associated health risks for our children by eliminating emissions.??

Despite the higher initial purchase price, we anticipate cost parity between traditional diesel and electric buses will narrow over time. This will be helped by continued investment from federal funding and advancements in battery technology. We expect this trend to continue shaping the industry as we focus on spreading the word on the benefits of outfitting every school district in North America with cleaner, quieter and more environmentally friendly school buses.?

While electric demand soars, scaling supply chains remains a hurdle, particularly for battery providers. We are collaborating closely with partners like Proterra and Optimal-EV to address these issues head-on.?

Looking ahead, the school bus industry’s future is electric. The numbers do not lie; the shift is real. Current funding trends and market demands echo this sentiment. We anticipate exponential growth in this area over the next few years. We are enhancing our flagship electric bus, the Saf-T-Liner? C2 Jouley?, and are looking to electrify the remainder of our best-in-class product lineup in the years to come.?

Yet, this is not just about electrification. We are investing in safety innovations, drawing from the advancements made by our parent company, Daimler Truck North America. Through safety technologies like Saf-T-Zone? pedestrian detection, we are providing a safer and more comfortable journey for both drivers and passengers.?

Equally important is the driver experience. We understand that their comfort and confidence directly affect the safety and satisfaction of the students we serve. Electric buses offer quieter operations, less maintenance and less stress – a win for everyone. Our focus will continue to be on creating vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly but also driver friendly to continue to elevate the driver experience.?

While we fully anticipate charging full throttle into an electric future, we also recognize the important role that traditional diesel has played – and that clean diesel continues to play – in our industry. Diesel has served as a reliable bridge to this new era of electrification and will remain a significant part of our product strategy in the short- to medium-term, complementing our growing portfolio of electric vehicles. We consider this a balanced approach that celebrates innovation without losing sight of practicality.?

As we steer forward, our commitment to quality and safety will not waver. We are adapting, electrifying and innovating, all with the ultimate goal of a secure future for every child who steps onto a Thomas Built Bus.?

The road ahead is not without hurdles. Component shortages and economic fluctuations will continue to be issues. Yet, our vision remains steadfast: a future where school buses drive progress, where innovation defines us and where cleaner, safer travel is the norm.?

We will be in the driver’s seat, setting the standard.