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Thomas Built has begun delivery of 20 of its Saf-T-Liner C2e hybrids to 13 Kentucky school districts, with the potential for additional Thomas hybrid bus orders in the near future. The buses - jointly developed by Thomas Built Buses, Eaton Corporation and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation - are powered by a 2010 EPA-compliant Cummins diesel engine, coupled with an Eaton hybrid-electric parallel system.
Thomas Saf-T-Liner Hybrid
The buses were purchased in part due to a $12.9 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to the State of Kentucky. According to Thomas, the grant will allow the state to replace up to 200 of its oldest buses with cleaner, greener hybrid buses throughout the next school year.
The Saf-T-Liner C2e hybrid is expected to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy by 30% or more, as well as reduce brake wear and component maintenance, and offer cleaner, quieter operation, the company said.