Scania has debuted a battery-electric coach chassis at Busworld, with the first example being in right-hand drive, tri-axle format at 14,3m and carrying a Caetano eLevante body.
To that layout the product comes with up to 534kWh of battery power. In a suggestion that energy efficiency will be a strong point, Scania claims a range of up to 600km. Charging can be undertaken at up to 325kW.
A 330kW electric motor is fitted, which drives through a four-speed gearbox. Scania says that all driveline technology at the heart of its battery-electric coach “has been tried and tested” and that the chassis will also suit high-floor bus applications. It will be compatible with various bodies.
The Scania Caetano eLevante is described as “our showstopper” by Scania UK Bus, Coach and Power Solutions Sales Director Mark Oliver. He advises that the opening example will arrive here in 2026 to start a demonstration programme. A two-axle chassis will follow.
Use of the eLevante body on the first Scania electric coach shows that scheduled service interest in the chassis is expected to come first, but the UK business plans to also offer an eLevante to suit retail buyers.
Mr Oliver adds that battery packs are biased towards the rear bogie on the eLevante, with most of those on or around the chassis. As a result, the electric model delivers an underfloor luggage capacity that is on a par with a diesel Levante equivalent.
Scania also used Busworld to unveil its plug-in diesel-electric hybrid coach chassis. The first of those is in left-hand, tri-axle drive form with an Irizar i6S Efficient body. Scania UK already has a hybrid coach chassis in build.
A claimed engine-off range of up to 80km comes with the hybrid package, which uses an 89kWh traction battery. Electric drive is taken via a pair of 145kW motors. Scania notes how it represents a straightforward route into zero-emission coach capability while retaining long-distance versatility of diesel operation.
Coupled to the hybrid unit is the new 13-litre Super driveline package. That will deliver an up to 8% reduction in fuel consumption over the existing driveline that uses Scania’s current 13-litre unit. It is Euro 7 ready, and the Super platform is described as “our best combustion powertrain ever” by the manufacturer.
