- Irizar's new hydrogen coach delivers over 1,000 km of driving range with rapid refueling.
- The vehicle enters commercial operation in Madrid after completing homologation.
Spain-based Irizar has revealed the second generation of its hydrogen-powered coach, marking a significant step in the development of zero-emission long-distance passenger transportation across Europe. The newly introduced fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has completed the required homologation process and is scheduled to begin real-world operations during the summer with Alsa in Madrid. The latest model incorporates multiple improvements aimed at enhancing operational efficiency while supporting sustainable mobility goals for passenger transport operators.
Enhanced Design and Performance Improvements
The second-generation hydrogen coach introduces several upgrades compared to its predecessor. According to Irizar, the vehicle offers increased passenger accommodation and greater luggage-carrying capability while also reducing overall vehicle weight. These improvements contribute to better operational flexibility without compromising comfort or efficiency. The company has focused on optimizing the coach for long-distance routes, ensuring that transport providers can benefit from improved capacity and practicality while transitioning toward cleaner transportation solutions.
Hydrogen Powertrain Supports Long-Distance Operations
The coach combines a hydrogen fuel cell system with an electric drivetrain to deliver performance levels comparable to conventional diesel-powered coaches. One of its most notable characteristics is a driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers on a single refueling cycle. In addition, hydrogen refueling can be completed in approximately 10 minutes, allowing operators to minimize downtime and maintain route schedules. These capabilities address key challenges associated with long-distance zero-emission transport and demonstrate the potential of hydrogen technology for commercial passenger mobility.
Key Specifications of the Second-Generation Hydrogen Coach
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hydrogen Fuel Cell with Electric Drivetrain |
| Driving Range | Over 1,000 km |
| Refueling Time | Approximately 10 Minutes |
| Operational Debut | Madrid with Alsa |
Building on Previous Hydrogen Coach Success
The development of the new vehicle follows the achievements of Irizar’s first-generation i6S Efficient Hydrogen coach. In 2025, that model successfully completed a 2,500-kilometer journey between Ormaiztegi, the company’s headquarters, and Briançon in the France Alps. The demonstration highlighted the viability of hydrogen-powered long-distance travel and provided valuable operational experience that contributed to the evolution of the second-generation platform. The latest coach reflects lessons learned from that program while advancing performance and operational capabilities.
Supporting a Multi-Energy Transport Strategy
Irizar stated that the launch reinforces its broader commitment to developing multi-energy solutions for sustainable passenger transportation. By expanding its hydrogen mobility portfolio, the company aims to provide operators with additional pathways toward reducing emissions while maintaining the performance expectations of long-distance travel services. The second-generation hydrogen coach represents another milestone in the advancement of fuel cell technology and demonstrates the growing role of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future of commercial transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of Irizar’s second-generation hydrogen coach?
The second-generation Irizar hydrogen coach is designed for long-distance passenger transport and offers a driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers on a single refueling cycle. This capability allows operators to cover extended routes while maintaining zero-emission operation. Combined with rapid hydrogen refueling times of around 10 minutes, the vehicle provides operational flexibility similar to conventional diesel coaches, making it suitable for commercial transport services that require high availability and long-distance performance.
When will the new hydrogen coach begin commercial operations?
The newly unveiled hydrogen coach has already completed homologation and is scheduled to enter real-world operations during the summer in Madrid. The vehicle will be operated by Alsa, allowing practical evaluation under commercial service conditions. This deployment represents an important step in demonstrating the viability of hydrogen-powered passenger transport and will provide valuable operational insights for future adoption of fuel cell electric coaches across long-distance transportation networks in Europe.
How does the new model improve upon the previous generation?
The second-generation coach introduces several enhancements over the earlier hydrogen model. These improvements include increased passenger capacity, greater luggage space, reduced vehicle weight, and an extended driving range. The vehicle continues to use a hydrogen fuel cell and electric drivetrain while maintaining performance comparable to diesel-powered coaches. These upgrades help improve efficiency and operational practicality, supporting transport operators seeking sustainable alternatives for long-distance passenger services without compromising performance expectations.
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