MAN Truck & Bus has unveiled its first fully electric coach, the Lion’s Coach 14 E, during the opening of Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels. The model marks a significant milestone for the German manufacturer, making MAN the first European OEM to introduce a battery-electric coach to the market.
The debut of the Lion’s Coach E forms the centrepiece of MAN’s display at the international trade fair, which runs until 9 October, and underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its zero-emission transport portfolio.
“With our eCoach, we are entering a new era of emission-free travel,” said Barbaros Oktay, Head of Bus at MAN Truck & Bus. “With the electrification of our fleet, numerous innovations in equipment and technology, and modern services, we are consistently focusing on efficient, sustainable and digitalised transport.”
The 14-metre Lion’s Coach E uses the same electric drive technology found in MAN’s series-produced eTruck, combined with the company’s in-house developed NMC battery packs manufactured in Nuremberg.
The coach has a usable energy capacity of 320–480 kWh, giving it an estimated range of up to 650km under optimal conditions, covering many intercity and long-distance routes without recharging. It can seat up to 63 passengers, with no compromise on luggage space compared to the diesel-powered Lion’s Coach.
According to MAN, the aerodynamic redesign of the coach has reduced drag and improved energy efficiency, while shared components with the truck and city bus ranges provide synergies in servicing and parts support for operators.
Next-generation batteries and new models
Alongside the Lion’s Coach E, MAN is also showcasing the 2025 model-year Lion’s City 12 E LE, featuring the latest MAN BatteryPack generation. The new lithium-ion packs, produced in-house, offer higher energy density and improved charging flexibility, with an annual production capacity of up to 50,000 units now being ramped up in Germany.
Other highlights at Busworld include the NEOPLAN Skyliner “Auwärter Edition” double-decker coach, the NEOPLAN Tourliner C, and the MAN Lion’s Intercity EfficientHybrid, which recovers and stores braking energy to reduce fuel consumption. MAN is also displaying the MAN TGE Coach minibus, part of the redesigned 2025 “Next Level” range, with new safety systems and an upgraded driver cockpit.
Focus on services and digitalisation
MAN is also presenting a suite of digital and consulting services alongside its new vehicles, including MAN Transport Solutions, which supports fleet operators with electrification strategies, charging infrastructure planning, and total cost of ownership analysis.
Its MAN DigitalServices platform offers connected fleet management tools for predictive maintenance and energy monitoring, aimed at improving operational efficiency for bus operators transitioning to electric mobility.
“Our goal is to play a key role in shaping the future of bus transport,” said Robert Katzer, Head of Sales & Product Bus at MAN Truck & Bus. “With several premieres, the next generation of batteries, our expanded electric portfolio, and innovative hybrid technologies, we’re sending a clear signal for sustainable and economical mobility.”
MAN Lion’s Coach 14 E — Key Specifications
Type: Fully electric long-distance coach
Manufacturer: MAN Truck & Bus (Germany)
Market debut: Busworld Europe 2025, Brussels
Length: 14 metres
Passenger capacity: Up to 63 passengers
Powertrain: Permanent magnet synchronous motor (electric drive from MAN eTruck)
Battery type: MAN NMC lithium-ion battery packs (from in-house production, Nuremberg plant)
Usable energy capacity: 320–480 kWh
Range: Up to 650 km (under optimal driving conditions)
Charging system: CCS2 fast charging (DC)
Chassis: MAN Lion’s Coach platform, aerodynamic design with reduced drag coefficient (Cw)
Seating / luggage: Full seating and luggage capacity identical to diesel version
Drive layout: Rear-mounted electric motor with two-speed transmission
Performance: Comparable to diesel Lion’s Coach in torque and acceleration
Safety & assistance systems: Full suite of MAN driver assistance technologies, regenerative braking, integrated thermal management
Production site: MAN plant, Starachowice (Poland); batteries from Nuremberg (Germany)
Service integration: Shared components with MAN eTruck and Lion’s City E for common servicing and spare parts
