It seems that Irizar will soon put a hydrogen coach on the market

Among the finalists for the Sustainable Bus Awards 2024, one model stands out: theIrizar i6S efficient hydrogen. No one had ever heard of it before. The photo was released by the Basque group a few days ago and included in the communication material provided by the award organization. No further information has been released to the public so far, but it is not difficult to look back and guess the nature of this project.

As the plans put forward by many heavy truck operators show, hydrogen fuel cell technology is becoming increasingly attractive as the preferred option for the future “after diesel” in long-distance operations (with MAN, currently, at a faster pace. different position …). According to the Interact Analysis report, it is estimated that by 2030, 74% of coaches in the EMEA region will be electrified. In this section, for several years we will see plans, goals and pilot projects.

Irizar i6S hydrogen: European projects on fuel cell coaches

In Europe, they have been announced so far three initiatives focused on the development of fuel cell buses. First, FlixBus launched the project HyFleet in collaboration with partners Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems and ZF in 2021. The project aims to research and develop fuel cell technology. The goal: to have long-distance hydrogen-powered buses on the European network by 2024. The minimum required is 450 km for one refueling. “A European bus manufacturer will also join the project in the future,” it was stated at the time.

In an interview given in February 2022 to the newspaper Sustainable busMichael Milch, Director of Program Management at Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH, pointed out that FlixBus recognized the need to adapt fuel cell technology for heavy-duty applications. Milch said that current fuel cell technology is primarily based on passenger car technology, with a typical life span of 5,000-8,000 hours. However, the HGV industry requires more durability: Freudenberg has developed a specific HGV design approach to meet these requirements, targeting a lifetime of at least 35,000 hours.

Second, the project CoachHyfiedled by service provider FEV Group, launched in March 2021. With partners such as Ballard Power Systems, ElringKlinger, Otokar, Engie and Ford Otomotiv Sanayi A.Ş, Ford’s Turkish subsidiary, the project brings together expertise from various sectors to advance progress in fuel cell technology. The total duration of the project is expected to be five years. During the CoachHyfied project they will be analyzed two types of buses: newly developed, OEM-derived fuel cell buses and existing buses that have been converted to fuel cell propulsion..

Finally, Daimler Buses has announced plans to offer electric buses under the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands by the end of this decade. To speed up the development process, Daimler Buses initiated the project Electric Coach (ELCH) in collaboration with research institutions and industry experts. The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, aims to develop a drive module and create two zero-emission demonstration vehicles within the next four years.

Irizar i6S efficient hydrogen on the launch pad

We come to the fuel cell bus Irizar i6S efficient hydrogen.
The group has submitted this model for consideration in the open call that kicks off the Sustainable Bus Award each year.

Although it has not been stated or confirmed by the OEM or third parties, it appears possible inclusion in Flixbus’ HyFleet projectas the name of the manufacturer is still unknown.

The dates are fixed: the principle of the Sustainable Bus Award provides that the nominated models must be on the market by the end of the year to which the award version refers (SBY 2024 will be presented in October at Busworld Europe). Project FlixBus aims to have long-distance hydrogen buses on the European network by 2024..