Europe’s First Electric Coach: MAN Unveils Lion’s Coach E

Munich, Germany - MAN Truck & Bus SE.,  a commercial vehicle manufacturer has officially launched the Lion’s Coach E, setting a new benchmark as Europe’s first fully electric long-distance coach. Based on the proven Lion’s Coach platform, first introduced in 2017, the eCoach reflects MAN’s strategic commitment to decarbonizing commercial transport and leading the shift toward zero-emission travel. 

Mr. Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus said “Our e-coach marks the beginning of a new era of emission-free and low-noise travel that many customers have been waiting for. We are delighted to be at the forefront here and to be putting such a dynamic and innovative coach on its wheels,”  

Mr. Heinz Kiess, Head of Product Marketing Bus said “In the first stage of the development of the vehicle and public charging infrastructure, the preferred areas of application for the MAN Lion's Coach E will be short and medium distances with a range of up to 650 kilometers. This includes shuttle services, works transport and city trips. “The eCoach is also a real opportunity for coach tourism to reach new target groups for whom sustainability is also a key factor in travel planning. Because with a CCS charging capacity of up to 375 kW in conjunction with the driver's statutory driving and rest periods, a similar usage profile to a diesel bus is already possible today. With the megawatt charging infrastructure (Megawatt Charging System, MCS, up to 750 kW) already under development, the areas of application for electric coaches are also set to expand even further towards long-distance travel in the future. 

Proven Technology Meets Next-Generation Mobility 

The Lion’s Coach E debuts as a 13.9-meter, three-axle coach with a maximum technically permissible gross weight of 27.3 tons. It offers seating for up to 61 passengers and luggage space ranging from 11 to 13 cubic meters, matching its diesel counterpart in functionality while offering a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient ride. 

The coach is powered by MAN’s series-produced electric drive—adapted from its eTruck platform—and NMC battery packs built in-house at MAN’s Nuremberg plant. With battery capacities between 356 and 534 kWh, it delivers an impressive range of up to 650 kilometers, well-suited for a wide range of applications. 

Aerodynamic and Digitally Enhanced 

Designed with efficiency in mind, the Lion’s Coach E features MAN’s new Smart Flow Design, which reduces the drag coefficient from 0.34 to 0.31, boosting range and performance. The vehicle’s digital cockpit, integrated with the intuitive MAN SmartSelect control system, along with extended driver assistance systems, ensures an enhanced driving experience focused on comfort and safety. 

Commitment to a Zero-Emission Future 

To further environmental and climate protection goals, MAN is actively collaborating with customers to promote sustainable mobility. The company has a clear zero-emission strategy, building on the success of its Lion’s City E family, which has been operating across Europe in urban and interurban segments for the past six years. 

In Q1 2025 alone, MAN sold 283 electric buses, accounting for over 50% of all city buses sold by the company in Europe. This demonstrates not only market readiness but also growing demand for cleaner transportation options. The Lion’s Coach E now extends this momentum into the long-distance segment, meeting both social expectations for climate protection and customer preferences for sustainable travel.