Image: Busworld

Just some weeks ago at Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels, hybrid technologies emerged as a central theme in the ongoing transition to zero-emission transport. The exhibition made one thing clear: the shift to clean mobility is not a linear journey—but a smart integration of electric, renewable, and conventional energy systems.

Leading OEMs—including DAF, IVECO, Scania, MCV, and MAN—presented new generations of hybrid solutions designed to bridge today’s operational realities with tomorrow’s climate goals. From mild-hybrid systems delivering up to 15% fuel savings, to plug-in hybrids capable of 80 km of zero-emission range, the consistent message was: hybridisation is not a compromise—it’s a catalyst for practical decarbonisation.

DAF & Driventic: Hybrid That’s Already Working

DAF Components, in collaboration with Driventic, showcased a production-ready mild-hybrid system that combines a PACCAR MX engine with an integrated electric motor and hybrid gearbox. Features include:

• Start-stop functionality
• Regenerative braking
• Electric torque assist during acceleration

Already in operation across 110 city buses in Rome, the system has delivered up to 15% fuel savings and meaningful CO₂ reductions—without requiring new infrastructure or operational changes.

IVECO: Fuel Flexibility Meets Hybrid Efficiency

IVECO Bus reinforced its technology-neutral approach, presenting hybrids designed for low-carbon and renewable fuels:

• The URBANWAY HYBRID NGV combines a natural gas engine with electric drive, fully compatible with biomethane, offering significant GHG reduction over diesel.
• The CROSSWAY Hybrid built on the same Platform but compatible with renewable XTL fuels, enabling intercity and regional operators to reduce emissions using existing refuelling infrastructure.

Scania: Plug-In Hybrid Coach with Geofencing

Scania introduced a plug-in hybrid coach designed for intercity and tourism applications, featuring:

• Geofencing to switch automatically to zero-emission mode in low-emission zones
• Up to 40% fuel and emissions savings
• Full electric operation in urban areas, preserving ICE flexibility for longer routes

MCV: Hydrogen-Electric Hybrid for Urban and Medium Routes

MCV revealed the C127 FC Low Entry, a 12.1-metre hydrogen-electric hybrid bus that pairs a 100 kW Ballard fuel cell with a 410 kW Voith electric motor and 100 kWh battery. Highlights include:

• ~40 kg hydrogen storage at 350 bar
• Intelligent blending of fuel-cell and battery power based on route and load
• Capacity for up to 79 passengers
• Smooth, zero-emission drive with extended range and fast refuelling

This architecture provides a versatile, high-capacity solution for operators seeking both performance and sustainability.

MAN: Hybrid Extends Beyond the City

MAN brought its hybrid strategy to intercity applications with the Lion’s Intercity EfficientHybrid:

• Derived from the urban Lion’s City hybrid platform
• Features energy recuperation, compact battery storage, and electric boost
• Start-stop function enables full engine shutdown at stops, reducing idling emissions and noise
• Powered by the efficient D15 diesel engine

This marks a strategic expansion of hybrid benefits to regional transport fleets.

Collectively, these innovations point to a maturing hybrid ecosystem—one focused on deployable, operator-ready solutions. From mild-hybrids to hydrogen-electric systems, manufacturers are demonstrating that hybridisation is not a transitional workaround—it’s a foundational strategy for fleet decarbonisation.

For the Hybrid Alliance, Busworld Europe 2025 reaffirmed a key principle: collaboration across technologies and manufacturers is vital. By combining electric propulsion with renewable fuels and efficient combustion systems, the industry is no longer just planning for net-zero—it’s putting it on the road.

Read more: Busworld