Daimler Buses tests electric coach prototype for 500km range

Daimler Buses, in collaboration with research institutes and the transport company Flix, has conducted test drives for an electric long-distance coach prototype in Neu-Ulm. The vehicle, part of the Electrified Coach (ELCH) research project, is based on a converted Setra S 516 HD model.

The primary goal of the ELCH project is to develop a battery-powered touring coach capable of traveling over 500 kilometers on a single charge. The project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, aims to validate technical solutions regarding propulsion, battery technology, energy consumption, aerodynamics, and lightweight construction.

Research partners include the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, and the University of Mannheim. Flix provides real-world driving data to ensure the development of realistic driving cycles. The project is scheduled to continue through the end of 2026, supporting Daimler's broader plan to offer battery-electric coaches under the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands by 2030.