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FUEL CHOICES FOR SCHOOL BUSES

Fuel Choices

A key factor for transportation professionals when making school bus acquisition decisions will be what fuel options to choose. Hoekstra Transportation’s goal is to be a resource in the decision making process and help operators make informed decisions that will help reduce emissions and lower operating costs.

Clean Diesel

The black cloud behind a school bus is a thing of the past. Today’s diesel offers the highest fuel efficiency and the smallest “net” carbon footprint – better than other non-EV options offered. Clean diesel is the most cost-effective option because it has the best fuel efficiency. Because it has the best fuel efficiency, it has the longest operating range, the best resale value, and emits less tailpipe pollutants than other fossil fuel burning school buses. In addition, the new DD5 diesel engine, found in the Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus, comes equipped with industry-leading real-time diagnostic systems. It is no wonder most school districts across the United States and Canada choose new diesel for their fleets.

Electric

Want a school bus that can go the distance, has unparalleled performance, greater fuel economy and up to 120-mile operating range? Combine Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner and Proterra’s lightweight, powerful battery system, to get the Saf-T-Liner eC2, Jouley. Jouley is a zero tailpipe emissions bus, reduces noise pollution and lowers operating costs when compared to traditional fossil fuel options. With electricity having the lowest and most stable operating cost of any fuel, the Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner eC2 Jouley electric school is driving the industry – and their future – in a whole new direction.

Compressed Natural Gas

The Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner® C2 CNG school bus, equipped with the Cummins ISB 6.7 G engine, was the industry’s first Type C bus fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). The C2 CNG bus offers excellent driver ergonomics and maneuverability along with the best visibility in its class. And, Thomas Built construction standards ensure outstanding safety and long-term durability. The CNG engine boasts the cleanest-burning alternative fuel, four fuel tanks, and maintenance-free three-way catalyst aftertreatment and relies on domestic fuel that is plentiful.

Compressed Natural Gas

Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner® C2 school bus has a propane-fueled engine available. Delivering exceptional power and performance, the DriveForce 8.8L engine has a durable block, increasing torque for enhanced hill-climbing power. The propane engine offers a smooth and quiet power, low-speed design for unique torque and power curves, modernized, heavy-duty, high-flow cylinder heads creating fast burn to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, and a tuned long-runner intake manifold providing higher torque and special air gap design keeping the engine air cooler for improved efficiency.