MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E: Prototype of fully-electric intercity coach revealed
MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E, the brand’s first battery-electric coach, is set to premiere at the Busworld Europe 2025 expo in Brussels this October; mass production from 2026 onwards.
MAN Truck & Bus recently showed to the press and industry audience the near-production prototype of its first battery-electric intercity coach – the MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E – at its Ankara facility in Turkey. It is in this manufacturing plant that the series production of the e-coach is set to begin from 2026.
This is first instance of an European bus OEM is commercially launching a fully-electric intercity coach for long-distance applications. The e-bus effectively marks a new beginning for the electrification of coach transport in the continent. The production-ready version of the Lion’s Coach 14 E will be launched at the upcoming Busworld Europe 2025.
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The prototype e-coach in partial camouflage presents a fresh “Smart Flow Design” reflecting its zero-emission identity. For now, it remains structurally similar to its diesel-powered Lion’s Coach. However, the production-ready version will have significant changes tailored for its electric powertrain and practicality, the company claims.
The three-axle electric coach measures 13.9 m long, with a technically permissible GVW of 27.3 tons. It can accommodate up to 61 passengers, with luggage compartments almost on par with the Lion’s Coach diesel versions. MAN is expected to add more axle and wheelbase configuration of the electric coach in the coming years.
Further, the Lion’s Coach 14 E integrates aerodynamics with its smart design to reduce its drag coefficient (Cd value) to 0.31, a value that is similar to SUVs! It comes with an energy capacity of 356 to 534 kWh, with a choice of 4-6 NMC battery packs, promising a range of up to 650 kms.
As of now, the preferred areas of application for the MAN Lion’s Coach E will be short and medium distances, such as shuttle services and chartered services for tourism, considering the given range.
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The CCS charging capacity of the e-coach guaranteering up to 375 kW perfectly fits the operational profiles of these applications. Megawatt Charging System (MCS) of up to 750 kW that is already under development can push its scope towards long-distance travel in the coming years. More details on the electric coach’s innovative digital cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems are awaited.
