MAN, a prominent European truck brand, has made a groundbreaking announcement by introducing the first major European battery electric Coach. Known as the MAN Lion’s Coach E, this innovative vehicle boasts a massive battery capacity of up to 536 kWh, providing a claimed driving range of an impressive 403 miles.
Scheduled to be unveiled in October and begin production next year at the Ankara factory in Turkey, the MAN Lion’s Coach E is set to revolutionize the way we perceive electric buses. Equipped with the capability to charge at up to 375 kW, there are plans to increase the charging capacity to a staggering 750 kW once the necessary infrastructure is in place.
The electric coach is powered by a battery pack ranging from 356 to 536 kilowatt-hours, with a sleek design featuring a 0.31 drag coefficient comparable to that of a compact SUV. The initial version of the Lion’s Coach E will be a compact three-axle vehicle with a maximum gross weight of 54,600 pounds and a length of 45.6 feet, providing seating for up to 61 passengers along with their luggage.
Charging a battery of this size can be time-consuming, but MAN assures that the coach’s maximum 375 kW charging rate, combined with mandatory driver rest periods, makes it an ideal option for shuttle services, work transport, and city trips. While the exact charging time for the eCoach has not been disclosed, estimates suggest that it could take approximately one to two hours for a full charge, depending on the battery capacity.
After the initial rollout of the Lion’s Coach E, MAN plans to introduce various other variants of the electric coach to cater to different needs and preferences. Although this marks MAN’s first foray into electric coaches, the company has already been successful in offering electric buses for urban and intercity use since 2019, as well as launching several battery-powered commercial trucks.
With the promising advancements in electric vehicle technology, MAN is at the forefront of sustainable transportation solutions. The MAN Lion’s Coach E is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and environmental conservation, setting a new standard for the future of electric buses. As the world shifts towards cleaner and greener mobility options, MAN’s electric coach represents a significant step in the right direction.