Scania believes in LNG coaches (while developing a plug-in hybrid). And the e-bus chassis is ready for the market

Scania bets strong(er) on LNG on the touristic segment, and in the meanwhile is developing a plug-in hybrid platform for coaches (you read that right). Scania Italia‘s 2024 has been a record year for the bus segment. And the group is finally entering the e-bus segment (starting with the Class II).

At the IBE Intermobility & Bus Expo 2024 in Rimini, Roberto Caldini, Director of Scania Italy’s Bus & Coaches division, outlined the company’s ambitious plans for the coming years with our sister media, the Italian trade media AUTOBUS. And some news are truly worth a mention, such as the plan to expanding Scania LNG-powered coach lineup, the possibility of provide electric buses in cooperation with various bodybuilder (including Irizar) and the ongoing works for developing a new plug-in hybrid coach platform.

Scania LNG technology across the entire tourist coach range

One of the key highlights of Scania’s 2024 strategy is the expansion of its LNG (liquefied natural gas) offering across its entire tourist coach lineup. Following the introduction of LNG-powered vehicles in the Touring three-axle model, Scania is now making LNG available across its full range of tourist coaches, including the double decker Beulas Glory models in both Class II and Class III configurations.

LNG technology provides a crucial “bridge” solution for operators seeking to reduce emissions while transitioning to zero-emission alternatives. Scania is already seeing success with its Irizar-Scania LNG coaches, set to enter service with Flixbus Italy in January 2025.

Electric chassis with Castrosua – and not only

In addition to LNG, Scania is moving forward with the development of electric buses, with an emphasis on creating flexible solutions that can be customized by various bodybuilders. And not starting from the canonic 12-meter city low floor configuration: “The electric Class II segment is the one we would like to approach, since the urban segment is very overcrowded. It’s a step we’re taking now, we have chassis availability and we want to take the step towards electric”, said Caldini.

At the IBE Expo, Scania showcased an electric bus model in partnership with Castrosua, a major Spanish bodybuilder. A vehicle initially intended for the Spanish market. However, Roberto Caldini stressed that Scania’s electric chassis is not exclusive to Castrosua — it is designed to be adaptable and can be used with other bodybuilders, including Irizar.

Development of a new plug-in hybrid coach platform

Looking further ahead, Scania is also developing a new plug-in hybrid platform for coaches, reads the interview from AUTOBUS. This platform will allow operators to run coaches in full electric mode for distances of up to 50-60 kilometers, ideal for entering city centers and avoiding congestion charges or emissions-related fees. The new plug-in hybrid coach will be built on a completely new platform.