(Leinfelden-Echterdingen / Germany) – Daimler Truck AG is testing its first coach powered by a fuel cell. The "H2 Coach" model, from the Setra brand, is intended to eventually be launched alongside battery-electric coaches. Compared to purely electric vehicles, the H2 bus offers a greater range and shorter refueling times.
Nearly 14 meters long: The "H2 Coach" has a range of at least 800 kilometers. © Daimler Truck AG
The technology is largely based on the drive components of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck fuel cell truck. It has a minimum range of 800 kilometers. The 13,9-meter-long high-decker truck features two hydrogen tanks with a combined capacity of 46 kilograms, as well as the fuel cell unit from the joint venture Cellcentric GmbH & Co KG, initiated jointly with the Volvo Group. As previously reported, the company launched pilot production at its Esslingen site in June 2024.
The unit has a total output of 300 kilowatts (kW). The electric motor is designed for 320 kW continuous and 400 kW maximum output. The integrated battery pack serves to temporarily store the electrical energy and provide situational power support to operate the fuel cell at optimal efficiency.
Testing also on public roads
The Setra ComfortClass concept bus is being developed at the Daimler Buses Competence Center for coaches of all drive types in Neu-Ulm. The S 2 HD model, converted into the H517 Coach, with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 24,7 tons, is road-approved as a test vehicle. Initially, a series of tests will be conducted at Daimler Buses' in-house test sites, followed by test drives on public roads.
Daimler Buses is focusing on both battery-electric and hydrogen-based technologies "in line with the dual strategy of its parent company, Daimler Trucks." The battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro city bus has been in series production since 2018. Since 2023, the vehicle has also been offered with a hydrogen-based fuel cell as a range extender.
Photo above
Daimler Buses begins the testing phase of the Setra touring coach with fuel cell drive. © Daimler Truck AG
