Technology Demonstrator ‘H₂ Coach’: First Setra Coach Powered by Fuel Cell

Daimler Buses is sending its first coach with hydrogen-based fuel cell drive on test drives. The Setra brand's ‘H₂ Coach’ technology demonstrator paves the way for the future of locally emission-free longer coach journeys, in addition to battery-electric coaches. Daimler Buses plans to have battery-electric coaches in its portfolio by the end of the decade, with fuel cell coaches then going into series production in the next step. The technology of the H₂ Coach is largely based on the drive components of the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck fuel cell truck from the Daimler Truck parent company. The range of the H₂ Coach on a single tank of fuel is defined as a minimum of 800 kilometres.

At the heart of the 13.9-metre-long high-decker with the model designation S 517 HD is a combination of two hydrogen tanks with a total tank capacity of 46 kilograms and the cellcentric fuel cell unit. Together with the Volvo Group, Daimler Truck is pursuing the goal of becoming a leading global manufacturer of fuel cells through the cellcentric joint venture, thereby making a decisive contribution to sustainable transport by 2050.

Developed at the competence centre in Neu-Ulm, the Setra ComfortClass concept bus with zero-emission drive technology represents a promising alternative to diesel-powered vehicles, as it not only has a low-noise drive but also contributes to a significant improvement in air quality in cities and holiday regions. In addition, the coach has a longer range and shorter refuelling times than battery-electric buses.