Daimler Buses and FEV unveil first hydrogen-powered Setra coach demonstrator 'H2 Coach'
Daimler Buses and FEV converted a Setra coach into the 'H2 Coach,' a hydrogen fuel-cell demonstrator with an 800-km range.
- at least 800 km
- 300 kW
- 46 kg (101 lbs)
- 400 kW
What Happened
Daimler Buses and FEV have created the first coach with a hydrogen fuel cell drive system, based on a conventional Setra coach. The 'H2 Coach' technology demonstrator is intended for testing and is designed for locally emission-free long-distance travel. It features short refueling times, a range of at least 800 kilometers per tank filling, and quiet operation.
The companies jointly transformed the vehicle from diesel drive to a fuel cell electric vehicle. After the overall vehicle concept, FEV took over the mechanical and E/E integration, combining components from different Daimler Buses and Daimler Truck technology platforms, including fuel cells, high-voltage components, H2 tank assemblies, and control units with software. Safety measures were developed for various crash load cases and for functional, high-voltage, and hydrogen safety.
FEV hands over the H2 Coach to Daimler Buses after TÜV approval and EMC tests.
Daimler Buses and FEV announce the hydrogen demonstrator.
“The 'H2 Coach' impressively demonstrates how complex subsystems can be integrated into a testable, safe complete vehicle when vehicle, powertrain, and E/E expertise come from a single source. With our one-stop-shop approach, we quickly and efficiently delivered the desired customized solution to our customer – from concept to approval.”
- Cellcentric fuel cell unit with 300 kW electrical output
- Two H2 tanks with a total capacity of 46 kg (101 lbs)
- Central motor with 320 kW continuous output and 400 kW maximum output
- Integrated battery system for intermediate and peak load storage
“A key success factor in recent months has been the open, trusting cooperation with Daimler Buses.”
Why this matters
The H2 Coach demonstrates a potential path to locally emission-free long-distance coach travel, with fast refueling, at least 800 km of range, and quiet operation. It shows how complex hydrogen systems can be integrated into a safe, testable vehicle, and it has already received approval from German technical authority TÜV. This step forward for hydrogen coaches could help make long-distance travel cleaner.
Terms in This Story
- Fuel cell
- A device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with water as the only emission.
- E/E integration
- Electrical and electronic integration, combining wiring, control units, and software into a vehicle.
- TÜV
- A German organization that tests and certifies vehicles for safety and roadworthiness.
- Demonstrator vehicle
- A prototype or test vehicle built to prove that a technology works in practice.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.