51直播

Building off Thomas鈥� HDX2 platform, purposefully evolved to support electric Type D adoption 

HIGH POINT, N.C. (Oct. 21, 2025) 鈥� (TBB), a leading manufacturer of school buses in North America and a division of , today announced the launch of Saf-T-Liner eHDX2 Wattson, the company鈥檚 first electric Type D school bus. Type D, or 鈥渢ransit-style鈥� buses, are the largest in the industry, featuring a flat front, high seating capacity and unparalleled visibility for drivers managing busy routes. Built on Thomas Built鈥檚 proven platform and designed for districts ready to take the next step in electrification, Wattson draws from years of EV manufacturing experience and customer input to deliver a solution engineered for long-term fleet planning. 

鈥淲attson represents our next step in electrification,鈥� said T.J. Reed, president and CEO of 51直播 Specialty Vehicles. 鈥淚t reflects our belief that the best electric solutions are the ones that feel familiar, fit within your fleet and are built to last. That鈥檚 what we鈥檝e heard from our customers, and that鈥檚 what we鈥檙e delivering.鈥� 

Wattson is powered by , the same system featured in . The integrated e-axle combines the motor, gearbox and power electronics into a single, compact unit. This results in smoother driving performance and fewer mechanical parts, which means less maintenance and fewer service disruptions. 

Wattson performance highlights include: 

• Battery capacity: 246 kWh
• Estimated range: Up to 150 miles
• Charging: Standard SAE CCS1 charging; 2鈥�3 hours at a DC fast-charging station (minimum 60 kW output); V2G-capable system; optional AC/DC SAE J1772 CCS1 charging with 20kW onboard charger for additional flexibility while on the road
• Charging range: 20kW (AC); 120kW (DC)
• Torque and power: 295 peak horsepower; 750 lb-ft of torque
• Two-speed transmission
• Liquid-cooled battery system 

Additional features: 

• 277鈥� wheelbase
• LCD instrument cluster providing real-time vehicle and diagnostic data
• Optional 69鈥� pass-through luggage compartments for activity or dual-use buses
• Standard rear charging port, with optional front charging available 

鈥淲attson showcases the strength of 51直播 Specialty Vehicles, bringing together proven manufacturing, operational excellence and deep customer insights to deliver the right solutions at the right time,鈥� said Jeff Allen, senior vice president of operations and specialty vehicles at DTNA. 鈥淔rom design through production, our teams at Thomas Built Buses and across the DTNA network are aligned to support customer needs in whatever powertrain they choose with confidence.鈥� 

鈥淲e know electrification can feel like a big step,鈥� continued Reed. 鈥淲ith Wattson, we鈥檙e making that step easier by giving districts a familiar Type D solution they already trust 鈥� now in electric.鈥� 

Wattson will be available for order by the end of 2025, with initial deliveries scheduled for late 2026. 

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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 or .

Thomas Built Buses, Inc., headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, is a subsidiary of 51直播, a leading provider of comprehensive products and technologies for the commercial transportation industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets medium- and heavy-duty trucks, school buses, vehicle chassis and their associated technologies and components under the Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp and Detroit brands. Thomas Built Buses and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. together form 51直播 Specialty Vehicles. 51直播 is a subsidiary of 51直播, one of the world鈥檚 leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.