Scania Irizar i6S Efficient PHEV wins Sustainable Bus Award 2027

The Scania Irizar i6S Efficient PHEV wins the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in the Coach category, recognising its plug-in hybrid platform as an innovative solution for reducing fuel consumption by up to 47 percent and emissions by up to 94 percent in long-distance coach operations, while enabling up to 70 km in electric mode to increase comfort and support zero-emission zone compliance.

SÖDERTÄLJE, Sweden, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sustainable Bus Award jury recognised the originality and coherence of how the i6S Efficient PHEV introduces plug-in hybrid technology to tourist transport and long-distance coach operations.

The solution combines a 338 kW Scania Super 13-litre engine with two 145 kW electric machines and an 89 kWh lithium-ion battery, contributing to excellent driveability. The 3-axle configuration provides up to 70 km of electric driving with the 2-axle variant offering a range of up to 80 km.

"Long-distance coach operations need solutions that work across very different parts of the journey. With this plug-in hybrid platform, operators can use electric driving where it is required or creates customer value, while retaining and extending the range their operation demands and drastically reducing costs and emissions," says Anders Liss, Global Head of Business Solutions, People Transport Solutions, Scania.

In favourable operating conditions, including en-route charging and an operation suited to making effective use of the electric powertrain, the plug-in hybrid solution can reduce fuel consumption by 47 percent compared with a conventional powertrain. The hybrid powertrain also provides efficiency benefits when external charging is not available.

The four drive modes: Electric, Hybrid, Charge Sustain and Forced Charging, allow energy to be managed according to route characteristics and charging strategy.

For services, the system is supported by Scania's digital ecosystem, which includes tools for monitoring charging and range, analysing driving style, predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and fleet performance management.

The battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in approximately 44 minutes. Regenerative braking, electrified auxiliaries and intelligent energy management further contribute to reducing energy demand.

The combustion engine is compatible with renewable fuels. When plug-in hybrid operation is combined with HVO, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up to 94 percent.

"These are two complementary possibilities. The plug-in hybrid powertrain reduces fuel consumption by using electricity efficiently throughout the operation. Renewable fuel can then further reduce the CO₂ emissions associated with the fuel that is still needed," says Liss.

The improvements in aerodynamics and the weight reduction coming with the Efficiency body, further contribute to lowering energy demand, fuel consumption and associated emissions.

The jury particularly highlighted the ability to use electric propulsion in urban areas, terminals and zero-emission zones while having all the range required for longer assignments. It also recognised the potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions even with the infrastructure and operational constraints that still limit the use of fully electric coaches.

The award for the Scania Irizar i6S Efficient follows its Label of Excellence for Driveline Technology in the 2025 Busworld Vehicle Awards.

The Sustainable Bus Award is a European award recognising sustainability in the bus and coach industry. Its assessment takes a broad view of sustainability, including vehicle performance, safety, comfort, environmental impact and the manufacturer's overall approach to sustainable transport.

Learn more about Scania's powertrain solutions for more efficient and sustainable bus transport.

For further information, please contact:
Tobias Siöström
Marketing Communications Manager, People Transport Solutions
Phone: +46 8 55 37 18 45 
E-mail: [email protected]

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SOURCE Scania