Meet Wattson: The electric sidekick that makes every mile smarter
The latest evolution of electric school buses has arrived. Inspired by the Saf-T-Liner® HDX2, Wattson delivers advanced Type D features and forward-thinking innovations you expect from Thomas Built.
Powered by an efficient eAxle and an 800-volt battery system, the Saf-T-Liner® HDX2 Wattson integrates our most sophisticated electric technology into a proven Type D platform, offering exceptional performance and reliability.
Developed with customer feedback in mind, Wattson is purpose-built to support your electrification goals and move your fleet forward with confidence.
Passenger capacity
Up to 90
Wheelbase
277″
GVWR
Up to 37,600 lbs
Battery
246 kWh standard capacity (largest standard battery capacity in its class)
2–3 hours at a DC charging station (charger must have at least 60kW output); Optional 20kW onboard AC charger for added charging flexibility
Telematics
Electric System
- 295 peak HP / 750 lb-ft of torque
- 0–60 mph in ~49 seconds (depending on rear axle ratio)
- Standard SAE J1772 charging
- Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capable
- 2-speed transmission
- Liquid-cooled battery pack, motor and inverter
Built with Type D DNA
Wattson expands on the legacy of the Saf-T-Liner® HDX2 with familiar Type D features, like Saf-T-Net construction for enhanced safety and a common parts platform for easier maintenance. It’s not just ready for the road ahead—it’s built for generations to come.
Wattson features electric innovations from the Saf-T-Liner® Jouley Gen 2, including the Accelera™ 14Xe eAxle, delivering high efficiency, easy maintenance and dynamic driving performance. Its 800-volt battery system, along with its eAxle, provides increased torque response and acceleration, plus support for additional school bus components.
Smart, practical innovations give Wattson the flexibility, convenience and reliability school districts depend on.
- AC charging – In addition to DC fast charging, Wattson’s optional AC 20kW charger offers a lower–powered charging path, reducing infrastructure requirements and total cost of ownership.
- Digital dash – A new, modern LCD instrument cluster enhances the driving experience with clear vehicle insights and streamlines diagnostics for service technicians.
- Luggage compartment options – Flexible storage solutions maximize passenger space and make Wattson just as practical for field trips and activities as it is for daily routes.
- Ergonomic driver’s dash and switch panel
- Fully integrated all-digital OptiView™ Instrument Cluster
- Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
- Suspended brake and accelerator pedals
- Footrest
- Up to 50-degree wheel cut
- 78″ headroom
- LED lights come standard for enhanced visibility
- Large two-piece curved bonded windshield
- Exterior mirror cluster with flat and convex rearview mirrors and front crossover mirrors
- Air disc brakes come standard
- PV360 camera
- Auto-reversing Doors
- Adjustable pedals
- Mechanical, electric or air ride driver’s seat pedestal
- Front and rear air ride suspension
- Heated driver’s seat
- Front and rear bulkhead air conditioning
- AM/FM radio and PA system
- Remote-controlled heated mirrors
- Reading lights
- Variety of seating options:
- Bench seat without belts, with lap belts, with 3-point belts
- Integrated child seat
- Child reminder system
- Acoustical ceiling
- Underbody pass-through storage area
- Overhead book racks
- White roof
- Tinted windows
- Staggered passenger seating
- Safety-first construction
- Specialized battery packaging for increased safety
- Quiet operations eliminate driver distractions and increase awareness of what’s going on inside the bus
- Comes standard with Saf-T-Anchor Removable Seat (S.T.A.R.S.) mounting system
- Bendix® Intellipark® electronic braking system comes standard
- Full OEM vehicle performance
- Top speed of 75 mph (programmable)
- Regenerative braking
- No change to driver behavior required with automated drive cycles
- 246 kWh battery storage capacity
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Electric park brake controls
- Telematics system comes standard and provides real-time fleet tracking, management and vehicle diagnostics
- Electronic control software interfaces with critical vehicle systems
- Includes fault detection and related management features
- Optimize battery economy while maintaining performance
- Electric buses pay for themselves over a lifetime
- Reduced cost of fuel. Electricity has the lowest and most stable operating cost of any fuel
- Less mechanical failure vs. traditional vehicles due to a simpler design
- Lower vehicle maintenance costs, including less frequent brake replacement, no engine oil changes and other savings
- All-electric dual heating and cooling systems (body & drivetrain)
- Comprehensive vehicle monitoring via telematics
- Predictive and real-time vehicle diagnostics for fleet managers
- TBB and select Sales and service team support
- Requires fewer maintenance and service procedures
