Neither Daimler nor MAN looking at e-coaches, but short-distance zero-emission capability more likely
Senior figures at both Daimler Buses and MAN have stated that widespread electrification of coaches is many years away, if it is achievable at all.
Speaking separately in Germany last week, representatives voiced misgivings about whether electric power will ever be viable in vehicles that often need to cover many hundreds of miles without the opportunity to refuel or recharge.
“I believe that there is no long-distance application that will be suitable for electrification,” says MAN Head of Powertrain Development Thomas Nickels, who instead advocates adoption of carbon neutral E-diesel.
Head of Daimler Buses Hartmut Schick says that it has no current plans to offer an electric coach, although it is keeping one eye on what may be required in the long term.
“We will consult the relevant legislation regarding urban areas and respond accordingly, but at we have no plans for an electric coach at the moment.”
Mr Schick adds that retrofitting Euro 5 vehicles to gain Euro 6 compliance is not a worthwhile exercise. “Moving directly to Euro 6 is more environmentally friendly because with a retrofit, CO2 generation increases.”
Both Mr Nickels and Daimler Buses Head of Product Engineering Gustav Tuschen see a future for equipment that allows coaches to operate for short distances in zero-emission mode. However, while he accepts that some operators may soon have no choice about fitting it, Mr Nickels points out that such apparatus will be used for a small percentage of the time and for the remainder, its additional weight will lead to increased CO2 emissions.
