Prevost H-Series


The Prevost H-Series is a family of motorcoaches and conversion shells designed and manufactured by Prevost, a subsidiary of Volvo Buses. The current model is the H3-45, which is a 45-foot, 3-axle bus for the intercity bus and Class A conversion motorhome markets.
The first H-Series vehicle was released in 1985 as the H5-60, a 60-foot articulated bus with five axles, including two steering axles in front. It was followed by the 40-foot rigid body H3-40 in 1989. After 45-foot buses were legalized, in 1994, Prevost released the H3-45 and updated the H3-40 to the 41-foot H3-41. Since then, the H-Series buses have been updated in 2002, 2009, and 2023. Production of the other models has been discontinued and the 45-foot H3-45 remains in production. It competes with the MCI J-Series.

Design

Visually, the H3-41 and H3-45 may be distinguished by counting the number of baggage compartment doors between the front and rear wheels; H3-41 have three, while H3-45 has four. The H3-40 also has three baggage compartment doors, but arranged with one door close to the front axle and two close to the rear axles, while the H3-41 has two forward and one aft.
Since 2011, the standard engine is a Volvo D13 diesel engine, coupled to an Allison "World Bus" 6-speed automatic transmission. Prior to that, the H-Series was equipped with Detroit Diesel Series 92 and Series 60 engines.
Prevost also sells the H3-45 VIP as a conversion shell version. The VIP is finished with a minimal interior and marketed to upfitters, who add fixtures and sell the customized vehicle as a Class A motorhome.
The passenger deck features an interior height of, and there is up to of storage under the passenger floor.
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History

The articulated H5-60 was the first H-Series bus to be introduced. Just 46 H5-60s were completed in four years of production, with sales hampered by the initial, operating, and maintenance costs.
The rigid body H-Series buses were updated in 2002, 2009, and 2023. With the 2023 update, the shorter H3-41 was discontinued, leaving the H3-45 as the sole H-Series bus in production.