MAN Lion’s Coach E named Sustainable Bus of the Year 2026

At Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels, MAN Lion’s Coach E was awarded the Sustainable Bus of the Year 2026 title for its electric performance, safety systems, and sustainable design.

At Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels, MAN Truck & Bus unveiled its first fully electric long-distance coach, the Lion’s Coach E. The debut was more than a premiere—it marked a turning point for the industry. For the first time in the history of the “Sustainable Bus of the Year” competition, the top honor in the coach category went to an electric vehicle.

The jury, composed of industry journalists from ten European countries, praised the model for its blend of performance, efficiency, and refined engineering. The Lion’s Coach E is powered by a 330 kW electric motor and equipped with batteries of up to 534 kWh, enabling a range of up to 650 kilometers—making zero-emission regional travel a reality. It supports fast charging via CCS up to 375 kW and is already prepared for future megawatt MCS systems, reflecting MAN’s forward-looking technological strategy.

Beyond its impressive energy performance, the coach drew attention for its comprehensive safety features: adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, EBA Plus emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, the OptiView mirror replacement system, and the new Safe StopAssist function. Together, these systems set a new benchmark for passenger and driver safety in the touring segment.

Series production of the Lion’s Coach E is scheduled to begin in 2026 at MAN’s plant in Ankara, with early fleet deliveries planned ahead of full-scale rollout. The company also highlights its environmental priorities: more than 95% of the bus’s components are recyclable, and all production facilities are certified to international sustainability standards.

The “Sustainable Bus of the Year” award, founded in 2016, is the only European prize that evaluates transport innovations in terms of sustainability. MAN has now received this recognition for three consecutive years—previously with its city and intercity models Lion’s City 12 E LE and Lion’s City 10 E. The victory of the Lion’s Coach E completes the brand’s success across all major eBus categories.

In the context of Europe’s accelerating shift toward zero-emission transport, this achievement seems almost inevitable. MAN not only demonstrates readiness for the era of long-distance electric travel but also contributes to building the infrastructure behind it. The company’s partnerships with ABB and E.ON aim to expand a high-power charging network, including upcoming megawatt-scale solutions for both buses and trucks.

The Lion’s Coach E is more than an award winner—it represents a new starting point for the future of sustainable mobility.