Daimler Buses has completed a Setra coach that is powered by hydrogen fuel cell-electric. The S 517 HD Comfort Class tri-axle, high floor touring model is described by the builder as a “technology carrier” that “paves the way for the future of locally emission-free coach travel.”
Development of the vehicle underlines what Daimler Buses says will be a twin-pronged approach to that shift, with hydrogen fuel cell-electric power set to complement battery-electric in its future range.
That underlines words from Daimler Buses CEO Till Oberwörder in 2022. He noted then that a dual strategy is in place. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered coaches will enter series production in the next step on that roadmap, the builder says.
Driveline technology in the Setra hydrogen coach is largely based around components from the Mercedes-Benz GenH2 truck. A range of 800km is claimed for the S 517 HD, which has two hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 46kg.
The fuel cell is from Cellcentric, a joint venture between Daimler Buses parent Daimler Truck and Volvo Group. It is rated at 300kW. The drive motor has a continuous output of 320kW and a peak of 400kW, with an integrated battery pack to store energy.
Ordinarily, the 13.9-metre S 517 HD would come with an OM 470 engine developing 422bhp coupled to a PowerShift eight-speed automated manual gearbox.
After conversion, the coach has been approved as a test vehicle based on a report from the Germany TÜV authorities. That permits it to be tested on public roads.
Daimler Buses says that the Setra coach with hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion “represents a promising alternative to diesel-powered vehicles, as it not only has a low-noise drive system, but also contributes significantly to improving air quality in cities and holiday regions.”
Already offered in zero-emission format by Daimler Buses is the eIntouro low-height coach, which uses battery-electric power. Like Setra products, it is not built in right-hand drive.
