With the “H2 Coach”, Daimler Buses has put its first coach with a fuel cell drive system on the road. The technology demonstrator is based on components from the GenH2 Truck and is designed to achieve a range of at least 800 kilometers.
Daimler Buses has unveiled its first coach with a hydrogen-based fuel cell drive system, the “H2 Coach”. The Setra-branded vehicle is designed as a technology demonstrator and is currently being tested on public roads. It is approved as a test vehicle in accordance with Section 19.6 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (Straßenverkehrszulassungsordnung).
The 13.9-meter-high-deck coach of the S 517 HD type combines two hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 46 kilograms and a fuel cell system from Cellcentric. The joint venture between Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group develops fuel cell technology with the aim of contributing to sustainable transport by 2050.
The fuel cell module delivers an electrical output of 300 kilowatts. A central motor converts this into mechanical energy. The electric motor is rated at 320 kilowatts continuous power and 400 kilowatts peak power. The maximum torque is 2,470 newton meters. An integrated battery pack is used for intermediate storage and power support to enable efficient operation of the fuel cell.
According to Daimler Buses, the H2 Coach has a range of at least 800 kilometers on a single tank. Compared to battery-electric coaches, the vehicle offers a longer range and shorter refueling times.
The H2 Coach is being developed at the Neu-Ulm site, Daimler Buses’ center of excellence for coaches. Around 3,800 employees work there in development, central functions and production.
Daimler Buses is pursuing a dual strategy for electrifying its fleet. In addition to battery-electric vehicles such as the eCitaro city bus, which has been in production since 2018, the company is also focusing on hydrogen-based drive systems. From 2026, the battery-electric intercity bus eIntouro is scheduled to follow.
In the long term, Daimler Buses plans to bring fuel cell coaches into series production. The H2 Coach serves as the technological foundation for further development.
