Daimler Buses Begins Testing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Coach

2025-09-12 green

Amsterdam, Friday, 12 September 2025.
Daimler Buses has commenced testing its H₂ Coach, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle with a range of at least 800 kilometers, aiming to reduce emissions and support sustainable transport.

Innovation in Public Transport

Daimler Buses has launched the testing phase for its H₂ Coach, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle designed to revolutionize public transport. This initiative is part of Daimler Buses’ broader strategy to incorporate sustainable technologies into its fleet, reducing emissions and advocating for greener public transport solutions. The H₂ Coach is a 13.9-meter-long vehicle equipped with two hydrogen tanks that collectively hold 46 kilograms of hydrogen, providing a range of at least 800 kilometers on a full tank [1][2][3].

Technical Specifications and Development

The H₂ Coach is powered by a fuel cell system developed through Cellcentric, a joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group. This system converts hydrogen into electrical energy with a total output of 300 kW, which is then used by a central electric motor capable of delivering continuous power of 320 kW and a peak power of 400 kW. The design includes an integrated battery pack for temporary energy storage and optimal fuel cell operation [1][3][4].

Approval and Testing

The H₂ Coach has been approved for testing on public roads in accordance with German road traffic regulations. This allows Daimler Buses to collect real-world operational data, which will be crucial for refining the technology and preparing for eventual mass production. The development and testing are centered in Neu-Ulm, Germany, a key location for Daimler Buses’ coach innovation efforts [2][4][5].

Future Prospects

Daimler Buses is pursuing a dual strategy involving both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. While a battery-electric intercity bus is set to debut in 2026, the long-term goal includes introducing hydrogen-powered coaches into series production by the early 2030s. The H₂ Coach serves as a technological demonstrator paving the way for future advancements in zero-emission public transport solutions [2][5][6].

Bronnen

sustainable transportation hydrogen fuel cell