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Scania Irizar i6S Efficient PHEV Wins Sustainable Bus Award 2027

In an inspiring achievement for sustainable transportation, the Scania Irizar i6S Efficient PHEV has claimed the title at the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in the Coach category. This recognition highlights the innovative integration of plug-in hybrid technology, demonstrating significant potential for reducing fuel consumption and emissions in long-distance coach operations.

Powered by a robust 338 kW Scania Super 13-litre engine and complemented by two 145 kW electric motors, this plug-in hybrid system offers an exceptional driving experience. With an 89 kWh lithium-ion battery, the i6S Efficient PHEV can reach up to 70 km in electric mode, making it particularly suitable for urban environments and zero-emission zones.

Anders Liss, the Global Head of Business Solutions at Scania, emphasized the flexibility of the hybrid platform: “Long-distance coach operations need solutions that work across various parts of the journey. With this plug-in hybrid platform, operators can opt for electric driving where it creates added value, while also maintaining the range required for longer trips.”

In ideal operating scenarios where charging is optimally utilized, the hybrid solution can achieve a fuel consumption reduction of up to 47% compared to traditional systems. This level of efficiency is further enhanced by four distinct driving modes: Electric, Hybrid, Charge Sustain, and Forced Charging, allowing for tailored energy management depending on the route requirements.

The Scania digital ecosystem supports these functionalities with tools for monitoring charging, analyzing driving patterns, predictive maintenance, and fleet performance management. Charging the battery from 20% to 80% takes approximately 44 minutes, an efficient time frame for daily operations.

Additionally, the i6S Efficient PHEV employs regenerative braking and electrified auxiliaries to further diminish energy demand. Importantly, the combustion engine is compatible with renewable fuels, allowing CO₂ emissions to be reduced by up to a staggering 94% when operating in conjunction with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

The jury praised the vehicle’s capabilities, particularly noting how seamlessly it can operate using electric propulsion in urban areas while still meeting the demands of longer-distance travel. This versatility positions the i6S as a front-runner in a realm where sustainability is becoming increasingly paramount. It demonstrates that hybrid systems can effectively complement the infrastructure and operational constraints that often plague fully electric coaches.

This accolade follows the i6S Efficient PHEV's earlier recognition with the Label of Excellence for Driveline Technology from the 2025 Busworld Vehicle Awards. The Sustainable Bus Award serves as a significant European honor, assessing innovations across various domains, including vehicle performance, safety, comfort, and environmental impact.

As the transport industry pivots towards greener solutions, vehicles like the Scania Irizar i6S Efficient PHEV are trailblazers in the shift towards sustainable bus operations. Their design, performance, and commitment to reduced emissions signal a promising future in eco-friendly transportation.

Discover more about Scania's pioneering powertrain solutions and their commitment to enhancing sustainable bus transport for the future. For additional insights or inquiries, reach out to Tobias Siöström, Marketing Communications Manager at Scania.

This achievement underscores the importance of innovation in tackling the dual challenges of cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility, a pathway that many transport operators are looking to embark on as they strive for a more sustainable future.