Irizar i6S Efficient Hydrogen Sets European Record for Longest Journey
Key Ideas
- Irizar's hydrogen-powered coach, the Irizar i6S Efficient Hydrogen, achieved a driving range of 900 kilometers in a 2,500-kilometer round trip between Spain and France.
- The journey set a European record for the longest distance covered by a hydrogen coach and included travel through challenging terrains like the Pyrenees and the Provence region.
- Refueling at hydrogen stations along the way only required less than 20 minutes for a full refuel, showcasing the efficiency and practicality of hydrogen as an alternative to diesel.
- The successful test not only exemplifies Irizar's pioneering role in sustainable mobility but also highlights the potential for wider adoption of clean hydrogen technologies in Europe.
Irizar recently conducted a successful test of its new hydrogen-powered coach, the Irizar i6S Efficient Hydrogen, by embarking on a 2,500-kilometer round trip between Ormaiztegi in Spain and Briançon in the French Alps. During the journey, the coach demonstrated an impressive driving range of 900 kilometers, setting a new European record for the longest journey completed by a hydrogen coach. The test route included challenging terrains such as the Pyrenees and the Provence region, with the coach ascending over 1,400 meters in elevation. Refueling stops at hydrogen stations were quick and efficient, with each full refuel taking less than 20 minutes. The journey also served as an opportunity to showcase the potential of hydrogen as a viable alternative to diesel for long-distance travel, with the coach being presented to regional officials in southern France. The Irizar i6S Efficient Hydrogen, initially unveiled at the Busworld International Fair in 2023, is the first European-developed hydrogen-powered long-distance coach. Equipped with a fuel cell for electricity generation, a 510-horsepower electric motor, and components sourced from European suppliers, the coach is deemed ready for broader production and can operate on regular routes without the need for extended charging stops. It also offers the flexibility to run in electric-only mode when required, further emphasizing its efficiency and sustainability.