Södertälje – – September 24, 2026 -- The Scania Irizar i6S Efficient PHEV has won the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in the Coach category, with the jury citing fuel consumption cuts of up to 47 percent and emissions reductions of up to 94 percent in long-distance coach operations.
Plug-in hybrid platform cuts fuel use by nearly half in favourable conditions
The coach pairs a 338 kW Scania Super 13-litre engine with two 145 kW electric machines and an 89 kWh lithium-ion battery. In operations with en-route charging and effective use of the electric powertrain, fuel consumption drops by 47 percent versus a conventional powertrain, according to Scania.
Electric-only range reaches 70 km for 3-axle models, 80 km for 2-axle variants
The 3-axle configuration delivers up to 70 km of electric driving, while the 2-axle variant extends to 80 km. Four drive modes -- Electric, Hybrid, Charge Sustain and Forced Charging -- let operators allocate energy according to route profile and charging availability. The battery recharges from 20 to 80 percent in roughly 44 minutes.
Combining hybrid operation with HVO fuel pushes CO2 cuts to 94 percent
The combustion engine runs on renewable fuels, and Scania states that pairing plug-in hybrid operation with HVO can lower CO2 emissions by up to 94 percent. "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," said Anders Liss, Global Head of Business Solutions, People Transport Solutions, at Scania.
Jury highlights zero-emission zone access without sacrificing long-haul range
The Sustainable Bus Award jury pointed to the vehicle's ability to run on electric propulsion in urban areas, terminals and zero-emission zones while retaining the range needed for longer assignments -- addressing infrastructure and operational constraints that still limit fully electric coaches. Aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction from the Efficiency body further lower energy demand, according to the company.
Digital fleet tools support charging, maintenance and driving-style monitoring
Scania's digital ecosystem tracks charging and range, analyses driving style, and provides predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and fleet performance management for the platform. The i6S Efficient previously received a Label of Excellence for Driveline Technology at the 2025 Busworld Vehicle Awards.