Thomas Built Buses launches Type D electric school bus Wattson, with deliveries set for late 2026

Thomas Built Buses, the North American school bus manufacturer and a division of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, has officially launched its first electric Type D bus, the Saf-T-Liner eHDX2 Wattson.

Orders for the new model will open by the end of 2025, with initial deliveries scheduled for late 2026.

The company presented a e-school bus in partnership with Proterra in 2018. The launch of new generation TBB-made electric school bus belonging to the Jouley range was announced earlier this year.

The electrification of school buses in the United States is rapidly accelerating, with over 13,759 electric school buses committed by 1,572 school districts and fleet operators (4,500 in 2024 only), according to data from the Electric School Bus Data Dashboard available on the website of the WRI-backed Electric School Bus Initiative.

Thomas Built Buses Wattson electric school bus coming

Built on the company’s HDX2 platform, Wattson adapts the transit-style bus design—characterized by a flat front, high seating capacity, and broad driver visibility—to electric propulsion while maintaining operational familiarity. According to T.J. Reed, president and CEO of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, Wattson was developed with extensive input from school districts to ensure it integrates smoothly into existing fleets and supports long-term planning.

At the core of Wattson is Accelera’s 14Xe electric axle, which integrates the motor, gearbox, and power electronics into a single unit. This approach aims at reducing mechanical complexity, lowering maintenance requirements, and enhancing driving performance. The bus features a 246 kWh battery system, liquid-cooled for thermal management, and a two-speed transmission designed to deliver 295 peak horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque.

Charging flexibility is central to Wattson’s design. Standard SAE CCS1 DC fast charging allows a full charge in two to three hours at a minimum 60 kW output, while an optional AC/DC onboard charger adds 20 kW capability for additional flexibility. The bus is also compatible with vehicle-to-grid systems, offering districts potential operational benefits beyond conventional charging.

TBB has also focused on operator usability and passenger convenience. The 277-inch wheelbase supports high seating capacity, while optional pass-through luggage compartments extend the bus’s versatility for dual-use or activity-oriented applications. An LCD instrument cluster provides real-time vehicle and diagnostic data, supporting fleet management and predictive maintenance programs. Charging ports are standard at the rear, with optional front access available to improve depot logistics.

“Wattson showcases the strength of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles, bringing together proven manufacturing, operational excellence and deep customer insights to deliver the right solutions at the right time,” said Jeff Allen, senior vice president of operations and specialty vehicles at DTNA. “From 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.” 

“We know electrification can feel like a big step,” continued Reed. “With Wattson, we’re making that step easier by giving districts a familiar Type D solution they already trust – now in electric.”