The Scania Irizar i6S Efficient PHEV has captured the top prize in the coach category at the Sustainable Bus Award competition. Judges recognized the vehicle for its advanced plug-in hybrid technology, which slashes long-distance fuel consumption by up to 47%.
The vehicle pairs a 460-horsepower 13-litre Scania Super diesel engine with two 145 kW electric motors and an 89 kWh lithium-ion traction battery. This hardware allows transport operators to transition easily to zero-emission driving in urban low-emission zones while strictly preserving range for long-haul routes.
Bridging the Gap for Intercity Fleets
Judges for the Sustainable Bus Award highlighted the dual capability of the coach to operate purely on electricity in city centers. Critically, it achieves this without sacrificing the overall driving range required for intercity travel.
Transport experts view this configuration as a practical transitional technology. It arrives while public high-power heavy-duty charging infrastructure continues to scale across regions.
“Long-haul operations demand flexible solutions capable of adapting to varied road segments,” noted Anders Liss, head of passenger transport business solutions at Scania.
Transporters can deploy electric mode where it creates immediate value or regulatory compliance while cutting operating costs, according to Liss.
Drivetrain Power and Charging Mechanics
The plug-in hybrid drivetrain mates the heavy-duty internal combustion engine with the dual-motor electric setup and the 89 kWh energy storage system.
In pure electric mode, the two-axle version of the coach achieves a driving range of up to 80 kilometers. The heavier three-axle variant reaches up to 70 kilometers under similar electric operation.
Recharging the battery from 20% to 80% takes approximately 45 minutes using fast-charging systems.
Efficiency Limits and Alternative Fuels
The maximum 47% fuel saving requires favorable operating conditions alongside intermediate route charging to achieve peak results.
The internal combustion engine is also fully compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil. This compatibility allows fleets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions even further across their daily routes.
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