Marcopolo Audace 1050 fuel cell with Sinosynergy and Allenbus

This coach, named Audace 1050, houses two 80 kW fuel cell modules provided by Sinosynergy, employing a 141 kWh battery from CATL and a motor by Danfoss. It boasts a hydrogen storage capacity of 38 kg, compressed at 350 bar.

The coach is based on Marcopolo’s Audace 1050 model, which is built in China. With a length of 12 meters and a wheelbase ranging from 6,100 to 6,650 mm, this coach boasts a rated torque of 495 Nm and a rated power of 140 kW (peak 222 kW).

For the front axle, the Chinese are using a ZF model (type RL82EC), the driven rear axle is also by ZF /type AV133). The automatic transmission (type THP90) also comes from ZF. The air suspension and the braking technology with EBS, ESP, AEB, LDWS are from Knorr.

What is interesting, the motor is coupled with a 4-gears transmission from the American power management company Eaton.

The coach can accommodate up to 53 passengers, offers customizable interior features to suit individual customer needs.

“Sinosynergy quotes a range of up to 600 km, with refueling taking five minutes – we wrote in an article out in late 2022 authored by Rüdiger Schreiber from omnibus.news -. Alternatively to the FCEV drive also a battery-electric solution is in the offer, as it was called on the part of Sinosynergy in Hannover. Sustainable Bus / omnibus.news also asked about this, and here the answer: «The Marcopolo Audace as BEV is to be offered with so-called power batteries (12 packs, again from CATL) with 423 kWh and with a guaranteed range of up to 400 kilometers under urban conditions». The Chinese did not provide exact details on “urban conditions”; a Standardized on Road Test (SORT) had not been conducted”

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Flix and Scania have indeed announced a long-term partnership to enable more sustainable long-distance travel. The two companies “see this cooperation as an opportunity to accelerate the green transition in mobility by developing new solutions and influencing the design of the needed infrastructure”, partners state. 

Flix is also currently investigating other solutions for long-distance travel: it is worth mentioning that Flixbus has the goal of introducing fuel cell coaches in Europe by 2024. And talking about manufacturers, Scania’s partner Irizar has an hydrogen coach ready for unveiling at Busworld Europe 2023 to take place in Brussels in October. The Basque OEM announced its plans to produce an LNG coach already in September 2021.

FlixBus had launched two biogas-powered buses in operation in 2021 and had been piloting battery-electric buses in France and Germany (although some issues occurred).

Flixbus and Scania: 50 LNG coach in operation by 2025

As a first objective, the two companies aim to equip up to 50 LNG (Liquefied gas) coaches of the Flix bus partners in their fleet. The technologies used, developed and manufactured by Scania, “are devised to allow the use of LNG and Bio-LNG (LBG) interchangeably to facilitate the transition towards the most sustainable gas solution”, it is mentioned. 

In the initial phase of the project, the coaches will run on different fuel mixes of bio and fossil origin. The goal, however, “is to progressively increase the share of Bio-LNG (LBG) from organic waste in such mixes until the coaches fully run on Bio-LNG, resulting in an expected CO2 emission reduction rate of around 80% on average. This objective falls within the framework of Flix’s long-term goal of carbon neutrality”.

Flix and Scania share the opinion that “there is still no technology enabling zero-emission bus travel over long distances. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important for actors in the industry to tackle the issue of traffic pollution and find effective ways, like biogas technologies, to reduce their CO2 footprint”-

Flixbus on the way to carbon neutrality

«Climate change is increasingly taking its toll on the planet and people’s lives, and as a global travel tech company we are aware of our responsibility in paving the way for a more sustainable future for the communities we serve. Therefore, we are eager to seize any viable opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint on the environment, with fleet transformation being crucial to this end. Scania is an extremely valuable ally for Flix and our bus partners, who operate the business, in different countries, and we are happy to be able to rely on their long-term expertise and know-how to contribute to reshaping long-distance mobility. In time, this will also help us adapt our offering to the rising demand for low-impact travel options from a public that is growing more and more environmentally conscious by the day», has commented Fabian Stenger, Chief Operating Officer at Flix.  

«Our ambition is to be a front-runner in the shift towards sustainable transport, and this collaboration with Flix represents a significant step in that direction. Biogas solutions are truly circular, and they are possible to implement here-and-now, providing a sustainable solution today that meets climate targets and reinforces social responsibility. The LBG/LNG coaches also represent a smart and sensible choice, because they supply the range and power needed to support any route, at low cost in terms of both investment and operating economy. We are extremely happy to do this jointly with Flix as we know that a wide implementation of biogas solutions can have such a positive impact, not only for the operator, but also for authorities and society at large», says Johanna Salomonsson Lind, SVP and Head of People Transport Solutions at Scania.

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The nascent fuel cell coach segment is then starting to get some “population”, with Irizar launching at Busworld 2023 in Brussels (that opens on 7th October) its i6S Efficient Hydrogen.

CaetanoBus – Temsa fuel cell coach ready in 2024

The goal of the partners is to enter series production in 2025. A 2-axle version will be the first to be produced, and a 3-axle version will follow suit. According to the information released so far, the vehicles will be able to use both 350 bar and 700 bar hydrogen, thanks to Toyota H2 Dual System technology.

Coach range? The partners claims it’ll be able to run for up to 1,000 km on a single refueling.

CaetanoBus underlines that the company “is very knowledgeable about coach operational requirements once is the manufacturer of the National Express coaches’ fleet for the UK as well as for several operators in Iberic market”.

CaetanoBus is focusing a lot on the segment of fuel cell city buses. In the first half of 2023 96 units were registered in Europe in that segment, vs the 52 of last year (+84%). CaetanoBus places first with 28 units, followed closely by Van Hool with 26. The latter is still leading the market in the period 2012 – June 2023 with 132 registrations. Germany is at the moment the country with the most fuel cell buses in operation (without considering those registered before 2012): 167 vehicles.

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Irizar and Irizar e-mobility will be showcasing four latest generation Irizar vehicles at stand No. 602 in Hall 6 (1,710 m²): an Irizar i8 coach, an Irizar i6S Efficient coach, an Irizar electric ie Tram vehicle and the new Irizar i6S Efficient Hydrogen coach.

On 7 October at 11:30 a.m., Irizar stand at Busworld will be the setting for Irizar’s new i6S Efficient Hydrogen vehicle to be unveiled for the first time, thereby “turning this trade fair into the ideal backdrop for Irizar to present its future business strategy and technology roadmap, which includes Irizar’s Efficient range of multi-technology vehicles”, Irizar states.

The stand will also have an area dedicated exclusively to sustainability, where Irizar will showcase its commitment to a better world, as well as the full Izir product range, our circular economy brand consisting of products made from surplus materials from our own production process.

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Located on a 3.5-acre campus in Newark, California, the facility is equipped to charge up to 40 electric motorcoaches with 20 dual-cable EV charging dispensers and can support up to 1.4 megawatts of EV charging power. The facility enables enhanced service, delivery, training and support for the growing number of Proterra Powered Van Hool 100% electric motorcoaches, which are powered by Proterra’s battery technology.

ABC Companies – Proterra electric motor coach charging park

Developed in collaboration with EV charging and battery partner, Proterra, and local utility provider, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E, whose PG&E’s EV Fleet program focuses on accelerating EV adoption for commercial customers via comprehensive construction support and financial incentives), the ABC Companies charging facility demonstrates that both the power and charging solutions are available to meet fleet operators’ needs to scale their commercial EV operations.

“As the largest passenger motorcoach dealer in North America, we are going beyond selling and supporting these vehicles, as we educate, demonstrate, and invest in zero emissions commercial transportation, to accelerate EV adoption. In under 2 years, over 20% of our motorcoach sales are now battery-electric vehicles. However, the rapid growth in our commercial EV sales requires a corresponding charging infrastructure capable of handling the size and power requirements of these vehicles. Therefore, ABC has chosen to invest strategically to support the vehicles already in operation. Through partnerships with industry leaders, we proudly complete our EV Ecosystem, supporting and sustaining e-mobility, while serving our customers and their communities” stated Roman Cornell, CEO of ABC Companies.

“Proterra is driven by innovation and sustainability,” said Chris Bailey, Proterra’s Chief Business Officer. “From batteries and vehicles to chargers and software, our unique technology ecosystem is providing our partners with high-performing EVs and charging solutions to power them. With over a decade of experience within the electrification industry, our team knows the only successful way for fleet operators to scale their commercial fleets is through strategic planning and collaboration. The collaboration among Proterra, ABC Companies, and PG&E’s EV Fleet Program was key to the launch of this innovative charging facility.”

“PG&E is proud to support the coach vehicle electrification efforts of ABC Companies through the EV Fleet Program,” said Lydia Krefta, PG&E’s Director for Clean Energy Transportation. “This project aligns with our core focus of proactively preparing the grid for the future, increasing access to charging infrastructure, and supporting electric transportation adoption through rates, rebates, tools, and education. PG&E is committed to providing simple and affordable clean transportation programs and incentives that help redefine the energy landscape to support California’s clean air and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and collective action on climate change.”

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And so solutions developed with open-source technologies make the next-generation medium-sized buses produced by Anadolu Isuzu ready for fully autonomous driving.

In the field of autonomous driving technologies, Anadolu Isuzu collaborates with Leo Drive, an initiative that develops scalable and reliable software, hardware, and algorithmic solutions specifically for autonomous driving technologies. The project is run in collaboration with the Autoware Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide autonomous driving technology for all and supports open source-based solutions.

Just as part of the collaboration with Leo Drive, Anadolu Isuzu transformed the NovoCiti Volt into a driverless vehicle platform: the test vehicle, equipped with numerous advanced technology LiDAR cameras, sensors, special processors and controllers, and connected driving systems, was tested in a wide range of scenarios, with and without passengers.

Considered a Level 3 autonomous vehicle, the NovoCiti Volt autonomous test vehicle demonstrated safe driving ability in obeying traffic signs and traffic lights under various traffic conditions, as well as in crossing pedestrians and moving or parked vehicles.

Anadolu Isuzu General Director Tuğrul Arıkan said: «We don’t just follow the trends transforming the automotive industry, we actively participate in shaping them. Our strength stems from our more than 40 years of experience in the commercial vehicle field, our innovative and environmental character, and our superior research and development capabilities. As Anadolu Isuzu, we are an industry leader with our continuously developing portfolio of electric vehicles, as well as environmentally friendly biogas- and hydrogen-powered vehicles and our efforts in autonomous driving technologies. This project, which we have successfully implemented using the world’s most advanced open-source technologies at autonomous driving level 3, is a very important component of our vision to produce innovative, sustainable, safe and comfortable vehicles. With our production infrastructure, technology and expertise, we are ready to meet the needs of our customers in both domestic and foreign markets».

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As proved by the plans put in place by most of the heavy-duty truck players, hydrogen fuel cell technology is gaining ground as the preferred option for the ‘post-diesel’ future in long-haul operations (with MAN at the moment on a quite different position…). According to a report by Interact Analysis, 74% of coaches are estimated to be non-electrified in 2030 in EMEA region. In that segment, for a few years we’ll mostly see plans, targets and pilot projects.

Irizar i6S Hydrogen: European projects on fuel cell coaches

In Europe, three initiatives focused on the development of fuel cell coaches have been announced so far. Firstly, FlixBus launched the HyFleet project in collaboration with partners Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems and ZF in 2021. The project aims to conduct research and advance fuel cell technology. Goal: having hydrogen long-distance buses on the European network by 2024. The minimum range request is 450 km on a single refilling. “A European bus manufacturer will also join the project in the future”, it was stated at the time.

In a February 2022 interview with Sustainable Bus magazine, Michael Milch, Director of Program Management at Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH, emphasized FlixBus’s recognition of the necessity to adapt fuel cell technology for heavy-duty applications. Milch highlighted that the existing fuel cell technology primarily stems from passenger car technology, with a typical lifetime of 5,000 to 8,000 hours. However, the heavy-duty sector demands higher durability: he says that Freudenberg has developed a dedicated heavy-duty design approach to meet this requirement, targeting a minimum lifetime of 35,000 hours.

Secondly, the CoacHyfied project, led by the service provider FEV Group, was launched in March 2021. With partners including Ballard Power Systems, ElringKlinger, Otokar, Engie, and Ford Otomotiv Sanayi A.Ş, a Turkish Ford subsidiary, the project brings together expertise from various sectors to drive advancements in fuel cell technology. The total project duration is scheduled for five years. In the course of CoacHyfied project, two types of coaches will be investigated: OEM-based, newly produced fuel cell buses, and existing buses that have been converted to fuel cell propulsion.

Lastly, Daimler Buses has announced its intention to offer all-electric coaches under its Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands by the end of this decade. To accelerate the development process, Daimler Buses has formed the Electrified Coach project (ELCH) in collaboration with research institutes and industry experts. The project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, aims to create a modular drivetrain and develop two emission-free demonstration vehicles within the next four years.

Irizar i6S Efficient Hydrogen on the launching pad

Let’s come to Irizar fuel cell coach Irizar i6S Efficient Hydrogen. The group has submitted this model for consideration in the open call that initiates the Sustainable Bus Award each year.

Although this has not been stated neither confirmed by the OEM or other partners, seems likely to be included in the HyFleet project by Flixbus, as the manufacturer’s name is still unknown.

The dates are aligned: the rules of the Sustainable Bus Award stipulate that the nominated models must be on the market by the end of the year to which the award edition refers (the SBY 2024 will be awarded in October at Busworld Europe). The FlixBus project aims to have hydrogen long-distance buses operating on the European network by 2024.

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Named “Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED)”, it can be applied to any coach, from single to double-decker, and bespoke systems can be tailored to specific customer requirements. This approach can provide repower solutions for all coach use cases, from shorter school routes to the majority of longer distance motorway journeys.

What is important, Equipmake’s conversion from ICE to fully electric preserves the passenger and luggage capabilities of the original coach.

ITT Hub: Equipmake with coach repower technology

At ITT Hub, Equipmake is showcasing its coach repower technology with a Van Hool T917 from the Westway Coach fleet, which has recently agreed to a partnership to accelerate the repowering of the leading operator’s fleet. The conversion has seen the coach’s diesel engine replaced with an Equipmake ZED featuring a 545kWh battery pack, an electric motor, an inverter, and an efficiency-maximising HVAC system.

All of these were developed in-house by Equipmake at its headquarters in Snetterton, Norfolk. The ZED specified for the Westway Coaches application is expected to give the repowered Van Hool T917 a range of up to 220 miles. In-service testing is set to begin in Q3, with the objective that further Westway vehicles are repowered over the coming months.

ITT Hub 2023: coach repower by Equipmake

Repowering a coach costs less than half the price of a new electric coach, Equipmake states.

Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, said: “Repowering is an important and cost-effective technology that bridges the gap between diesel and a new electric coach fleet. We can apply our in-house developed Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) to any coach and work with a fleet customer to specify a fully electric driving range from 100 miles all the way up to 250 miles, making long distances entirely possible. Factor in no compromises on passenger or luggage capacity, and repowering upcycles a perfectly good vehicle in the most cost-effective way, making sense for any size of fleet. It also solves the conundrum faced by operators who may only be part-way through the lifecycle of a vehicle, enabling them to transition without resorting to the financial burden of a new electric coach.”

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The Swedish company has signed a letter of intent with the Spanish bodybuilder: the start of production is scheduled for 2024, with the first models on the market in 2025. The bodies for the Volvo 9700 DD will continue to be produced by Carrus Delta (a Finnish company), while the production of the chassis will remain in Volvo Buses’ factories in Borås and Uddevalla, Sweden.

As part of the new business model in Europe, Volvo Buses will continue to provide maintenance and spare parts services, both for the new offerings to come and for customers who already have Volvo buses in their fleets. The production of complete buses in Mexico and North America is not affected by the (radical) change in strategy in Europe.

“Sunsundegui is already a valued partner and in our experience a very professional company with excellent capabilities,” says Dan Pettersson, SVP, Volvo Buses. “It has the capacity to meet requirements and demands in many European markets, and its bodies are highly appreciated by our customers. Together, we are confident that we will develop a range of premium coaches that will lead the industry.”

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The agreement will see Equipmake further accelerate the electrification of Westway Coaches’ fleet by converting a proportion of its existing diesel coaches to electric power with its state-of-the-art drivetrain technology.

The conversion of the first vehicle, a Van Hool T917, has begun at its headquarters in Snetterton, Norfolk, and in-service prototype testing is set to begin in Q3 with the objective that further Westway vehicles are repowered over the coming months, Equipmake says.

Equipmake has developed dedicated skills on repowering of buses, most recently completing an all-electric repower of the New Routemaster (showcased at Euro Bus Expo 2022), as well as partnering with First Bus to upgrade its fleet.

Equipmake repowers coaches for Westway Coaches

“Featuring a 545 kWh battery pack, alongside an electric motor, inverter and efficiency-maximising HVAC system, all developed in-house, Equipmake’s super-efficient, state-of-the-art Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) is expected to give the repowered Van Hool T917 a range of up to 220 miles, making long distances entirely possible”, Equimpake states.

Repowering is quick too. Once a first vehicle has been developed, further retrofits can be completed over the course of a few days. It costs less than half the price of a new electric coach.

Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake, said:“We are delighted to expand our repower offering to the coach market with the agreement of our first coach partnership with Westway Coaches. Westway is already a sustainability innovator in the sector and Equipmake will be accelerating its transition to zero emissions, with the first vehicle already converted and more set to be upgraded in the coming months.

“Repowering is an important and cost-effective technology that bridges the gap between diesel and a new electric coach fleet. It upcycles a perfectly good vehicle in the most cost-effective way, making sense for any size of fleet, and solves the conundrum faced by operators who may only be part-way through the lifecycle of a vehicle, enabling them to transition without resorting to the financial burden of a new electric coach.”

David West, Managing Director at Westway Coaches, said: “Operating a state-of-the-art fleet that is both sustainable and socially responsible is core to Westway Coaches. We are very happy to be partnering with Equipmake, a leader in the electrification space. Its innovative technology will play a vital role in supporting our goal of running a zero-emission fleet, operating coaches powered solely by electricity. On behalf of all at Westway, I am looking forward to seeing our first repowered coach begin in-service prototype testing in Q3 and building on that with further repowered vehicles very quickly.”

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