The Scania Irizar i6S Efficient PHEV has been named the winner of the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in the Coach category, with the jury recognising its plug-in hybrid technology as a solution designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in long-distance passenger transport.
The award highlights the i6S Efficient PHEV’s ability to combine electric operation with the range required for longer coach assignments. Depending on configuration and operating conditions, the system can deliver up to 70km of electric driving on the three-axle version, while the two-axle variant can achieve up to 80km.
At the heart of the powertrain is a 338kW Scania Super 13-litre combustion engine, supported by two 145kW electric machines and an 89kWh lithium-ion battery. The combination is designed to provide electric capability for urban sections, terminals and zero-emission zones without removing the flexibility required for longer routes.
“Long-distance coach operations need solutions that work across very different parts of the journey. With this plug-in hybrid platform, operators can use electric driving where it is required or creates customer value, while retaining and extending the range their operation demands and drastically reducing costs and emissions,” said Anders Liss, Global Head of Business Solutions, People Transport Solutions, Scania.
According to Scania, fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 47% compared with a conventional powertrain when operating conditions allow effective use of the electric drivetrain and en-route charging. The hybrid system is also designed to deliver efficiency gains when external charging is unavailable.
Operators can select from four drive modes – Electric, Hybrid, Charge Sustain and Forced Charging – allowing energy use to be adapted to individual routes and charging strategies.
Charging the battery from 20% to 80% takes approximately 44 minutes. Regenerative braking, electrified auxiliaries and energy-management technology further contribute to reducing energy consumption.
The powertrain can also be combined with HVO renewable fuel. Scania says this combination can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 94%, compared with conventional operation.
“These are two complementary possibilities. 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 Liss.
For fleet operators, the technology is supported by Scania’s digital ecosystem, including tools for monitoring charging and electric range, analysing driving behaviour, predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and fleet performance.
The i6S Efficient PHEV also incorporates aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction through Irizar’s Efficiency body, further targeting lower energy demand and operating costs.
The jury highlighted the platform’s ability to support electric driving in urban environments while maintaining long-distance capability, particularly where charging infrastructure or operational requirements make fully electric coaches difficult to deploy.
The recognition follows the Scania Irizar i6S Efficient’s Label of Excellence for Driveline Technology at the 2025 Busworld Vehicle Awards, adding another industry accolade for the platform’s approach to reducing the environmental impact of coach operations.
