BELGIUM – Two bus manufacturers have unveiled prototypes of hydrogen-powered buses with record-breaking ranges of “up to 1,000km” (620 miles) at the same conference in Brussels.
Spanish company Irizar displayed a new H2 version of its i6s Efficient long-distance coach, also known as a high-floor bus, at Busworld Europe this week, while Turkish firm Temsa showcased its HD Fuel Cell coach, which was only announced as a research & development (R&D) project last month.
“The Irizar Hydrogen i6S Efficient has a range of up to 1000 km and minimal charging times of around 20 minutes. Consequently, the way our clients operate [their buses] will not be changed, and they can continue their existing routes and schedules,” said the company.
“In addition, it can run in 100% electric mode for short times, if required,” it added, referring to its 60kWh battery, which will be charged via the fuel cell and regenerative braking.
The vehicle is currently “in a testing phase”, Irizar explained, adding that the final model might have a different design.
Adana-based Temsa only launched a “joint R&D project” with Portuguese manufacturer CaetanoBus to develop a 1,000km hydrogen intercity bus on 13 September, stating at the time that the first prototype “is expected to be completed in 2024 with the aim of mass production in 2025”.
“Within the scope of the agreement, Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology used in CaetanoBus’s city buses will be integrated into the Temsa HD platform, combining the expertise of Temsa engineers in electric and long-distance buses,” said the September statement.
Last month, Temsa CEO Tolga Kaan Doğancıoğlu stated: “Under different road and geographical conditions, out bus will be able to exceed a range of 1,000km,” adding that it could travel from Paris to Berlin without stopping.
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