Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2

Not to be confused with Thomas Saf-T-Liner.

Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2
Front 3⁄4 view
Overview
ManufacturerThomas Built Buses (Freightliner)
Production2004–present
AssemblyGaffney, South Carolina
DesignerJohn M. Mellberg
Body and chassis
ChassisFreightliner M2
RelatedFreightliner M2 106
Powertrain
Engine
  • Diesel
    • Cummins ISB 200–260 hp (2007–2016; CNG option since 2016)
    • Caterpillar C7 (2007)
    • Detroit Diesel DD5 5.1 L I4 (2018–present)
    • Mercedes-Benz MBE 900 (2004–2009)
  • Propane
    • Powertrain Integration PIthon 8.0 L V8 (2014–2022)
Drive Force/PSI 8.8L V8 2019-2022
Capacity14–81
Transmission2-speed automatic (Jouley)[1]
Battery226 kWh (Jouley)[2]
Plug-in chargingVehicle-to-grid (V2G)
Dimensions
Width96 in (2,438 mm)
Curb weight18,000–35,000 lb (8,165–15,876 kg) (GVWR)
Chronology
Predecessor
Saf-T-Liner C2
Interior view, looking back

The Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 (often shortened to Thomas C2) is a cowled-chassis bus manufactured by bus body manufacturer Thomas Built Buses. Introduced in 2004, the vehicle is produced primarily as a school bus; other configurations of the model line were developed for commercial use and specialty configurations.

The model line uses the Freightliner C2 chassis, derived from the 2002–2022 Business Class M2 medium-duty truck. Thomas developed the C2 to replace both the previous Saf-T-Liner Conventional and Saf-T-Liner FS-65 conventionals; the latter was produced concurrently with the C2 until December 2006.[3] While produced with a full-length hood, the C2 adopted other design elements of the 1990s Thomas Vista conventional to improve loading-zone visibility.

Alongside its distinctive exterior, the C2 is also available in up to 81-passenger capacity, the largest of any conventional-type school bus in North America.[4]

Thomas manufactures the C2 in a dedicated facility in High Point, North Carolina while the chassis is built in Gaffney, South Carolina.[5]

  1. ^ "Brochure C2Jouley and Proterra summer 2020" (PDF).
  2. ^ "Saf-T-Liner® C2 Jouley® - Thomas Built Buses". June 25, 2022. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  3. ^ "Thomas retires the FS-65". Archived from the original on April 20, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2010.
  4. ^ "Saf-T-Liner® C2 School Bus by Thomas Built Buses". www.thomasbus.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2006.
  5. ^ "Company History | Thomas Built Buses". thomasbuiltbuses.com. Retrieved November 15, 2018.