Scania and Flix partners for alternative fuel option in Bus and coaches

Coaches can run on different fuel mixes of bio and fossil origin. The project is to progressively increase the share of Bio-LNG (LBG) from organic waste in such mixes until the coaches run on Bio-LNG only.

Södertälje, Sweden- Scania AB., and Flix Mobility GmbH., a German brand that offers intercity bus service, announce a long-term partnership to enable more sustainable long-distance travel. The two companies see this cooperation as an opportunity to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility by developing new solutions and influencing the design of the needed infrastructure.

As a first objective, the two companies aim to equip up to 50 LNG (Liquefied gas) coaches of the Flix bus partners in their fleet. The technologies used, developed and manufactured by Scania, are devised to allow the use of LNG and Bio-LNG (LBG) interchangeably to facilitate the transition towards the most sustainable gas solution.

In the initial phase of the project, the coaches can run on different fuel mixes of bio and fossil origin. The goal of the project is to progressively increase the share of Bio-LNG (LBG) from organic waste in such mixes until the coaches run on Bio-LNG only, resulting in an expected CO2 emission reduction rate of around 80% on average. This objective falls within the framework of Scania’s and Flix’s long-term goal of carbon neutrality.

By the end of 2025, the coaches should be completely outfitted. The Irizar i6s Efficient is being integrated with the Scania chassis by Irizar, a leading manufacturer of buses and coaches worldwide.

Scania's previous experience with biogas buses, it is now possible to significantly reduce CO2 emissions when compared to diesel engines while also reducing noise levels, all while retaining the same amount of horsepower and torque. Due to these benefits, biogas is a practical and sustainable choice for long-distance actors looking to commercially improve their sustainable performance.

Mr. Fabian Stenger, Chief Operating Officer at Flix, said that, As a leading provider of global travel technology, we are conscious of our obligation to pave the path for a more sustainable future for the communities we serve. Climate change is having an increasing negative impact on the environment and people's livelihoods. As a result, we are eager to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself to lower our environmental impact, with fleet transformation playing a key role. We are pleased to be able to depend on Scania's long-term knowledge and know-how to help reshape long-distance mobility. Scania is a very significant ally for Flix and our bus partners, who operate the business, in different countries. This will eventually enable us to modify our selection in response to the growing demand for low-impact travel options from a public that is growing more and more environmentally conscious by the day.

Ms. Johanna Salomonsson Lind, SVP and Head of People Transport Solutions at Scania, said that, Our goal is to lead the transition to sustainable transportation, and our partnership with Flix is a key step in that regard. Biogas solutions offer a sustainable option that satisfies climate targets and upholds social responsibility because they are really circular and practical to apply immediately. The LBG/LNG coaches are also a wise and practical decision because they offer the strength and range required to sustain any route at a low cost in terms of both capital expenditure and operational expenses. We are overjoyed to work with Flix on this since we are aware of the great effects that widespread adoption of biogas solutions can have, not just for the operator but also for the government and society at large.

Indeed, Flix and Scania are constantly looking at ways of reducing their impact on the environment with a scientific approach, and both players are committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which provides companies with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals.

Flix's participation in SBTi is related to its recently made pledge to complete Europe's decarbonization by 2040, years ahead of the Paris Agreement's deadline. This long-term goal is being achieved by implementing a comprehensive four-principle climate plan, where fleet transformation through alternative drives and fuels plays a significant role. The FlixBus fleet is already using and prepared to scale up biogas technologies, which have the most potential. Of course, one of the key factors in the value of biogas as an energy source in Europe is the availability of refueling infrastructure.

About Flix 
Flix is pioneering the transport sector by offering climate-friendly alternatives for convenient and affordable travel via the FlixBus and FlixTrain brands. Thanks to a unique business model and innovative technology, Flix has quickly established Europe’s largest long-distance bus network and swiftly moved on to a global expansion including the United States, Canada and Brazil.