© Irizar

Irizar’s i6S Efficient Hydrogen coach has completed a 2,500 km round trip from Ormaiztegi, Spain, to Briançon in the French Alps, marking the longest distance ever driven by a hydrogen coach in Europe. The test run, which demonstrated a range of 900 km on a single refuel, confirms the zero-emission vehicle’s readiness for commercial use.

The route passed through the Pyrenees and Provence region, culminating in a 1,400-meter elevation gain as the coach climbed into the Alps. Irizar used the opportunity to test hydrogen refueling infrastructure, achieving full refuels in under 20 minutes at multiple stations—performance that rivals diesel counterparts in operational downtime.

Javier Goikoetxea, Irizar’s Export Director, stated, “We are extremely proud of this achievement. Not only does it reinforce our position as pioneers in the sustainable mobility space, but it also opens up new opportunities for the Europe-wide adoption of clean technologies.”

Mass Production Set to Begin

Irizar says it is ready to begin mass production of the i6S Efficient Hydrogen coach, which was first introduced at Busworld Brussels in 2023 as a prototype. The company is already working on related hydrogen mobility projects across Europe.

The coach is powered by a fuel cell system that generates electricity through hydrogen electrolysis. A 510-horsepower electric motor with an integrated three-speed gearbox drives the vehicle. Key components are supplied by European partners, supporting the EU’s push for localized green technology manufacturing.

In addition to long-range capabilities and rapid refueling, the coach is designed for operational flexibility. It can switch to electric-only mode when needed and features a drivetrain built for extended service life with minimal maintenance.

Strong Industry Interest in France

During the journey, Irizar presented the vehicle to public and transport institutions in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The reaction was described as highly positive, with strong interest in hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels for long-distance transport.