The 13.9-metre H2 Coach is slated to have a range of at least 800km from 46kg of hydrogen stored in two tanks and a 300kW fuel cell unit from Daimler’s joint venture with Volvo, Cellcentric.
Based on the existing battery-electric S 517 HD coach, the fuel cell will drive the central electric motor to offer up to 400kW of output, with a battery pack serving as temporary energy storage to support the fuel cell under high loads.
The test drives come ahead of plans for series production of the fuel cell vehicle. Daimler has not disclosed a planned start date.
The new model adds to Daimler Buses’ hydrogen offering. The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell has been in operation for several years in European cities.
The German OEM said the fuel cell options offer the same zero-emission benefits as battery-electrics, but with a higher range and shorter refuelling time.
The move reflects a growing focus on long-haul, back-to-base operations, where predictable refuelling could offset wider concerns over infrastructure and costs.
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