Bonn takes next step in electric public transport
Daimler Buses has supplied ten Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses and a turnkey charging infrastructure to Stadtwerke Bonn (SWB). The deal pairs zero-emission vehicles with depot-ready charging points, accelerating Bonn’s transition to electric public transport.
Charging infrastructure built for scale
The charging system was installed at SWB’s Friesdorf depot. Daimler Buses managed planning, civil engineering, cabling, and installation.
Key details:
- 10 charging points in total
- 2 CCS2 plug chargers for flexibility
- 8 pantograph chargers with movable concrete foundations for future relocation
The pantograph system can charge four buses in a row simultaneously. This setup allows efficient overnight or mid-shift charging without bottlenecks.
eCitaro battery capacity and range
Each 12-meter eCitaro solo bus comes with:
- 5 NMC3 battery packs
- 490 kWh total capacity
- SmartCharge system to optimize battery life
This configuration supports long city routes and reduces downtime. The buses integrate roof-mounted pantograph rails and CCS2 sockets, giving operators flexibility in charging strategy.
Onboard safety and driver support
The new buses feature Mercedes-Benz assistance systems aimed at urban safety:
- 360° camera for full-area visibility
- Sideguard Assist 2 to detect pedestrians and cyclists
- Frontguard Assist for objects in front of the bus
- Preventive Brake Assist 2 with advanced pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Traffic Sign Assist with speed compliance alerts
- Attention Assist (AtAs) and TPM tire monitoring
These systems reduce urban accident risks, a key factor in city adoption of electric fleets.
Passenger capacity and comfort
Each bus can carry over 80 passengers. Features include:
- 31 City Star Function seats
- Space for wheelchair users and strollers with ramp access
- Yellow tactile handrails for visually impaired riders
- Air conditioning with antiviral filter
- 12 dual USB ports for passenger devices
- 29.4-inch TFT monitor for route information
The cabin design balances accessibility, passenger convenience, and operational efficiency.
Driver-focused design
Drivers benefit from:
- Heated, rotating seat with climate control
- Intelligent eco steering for efficiency
- Enclosed cab with reinforced safety glass
These features improve working conditions and enhance safety in daily service.
Why this matters for Bonn
The partnership signals a structured fleet electrification strategy. Bonn has already integrated electric buses from other manufacturers. Adding Mercedes-Benz eCitaro units with a full depot charging solution creates operational consistency.
For operators, combining buses and infrastructure from a single supplier reduces integration risks and simplifies maintenance. The movable pantograph foundations also allow the city to adapt the infrastructure as fleet needs grow.
Key specifications table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fleet delivered | 10 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro solo buses |
| Bus length | 12 meters |
| Battery packs | 5 x NMC3 |
| Total capacity | 490 kWh |
| Charging points | 10 (2 CCS2 plug, 8 pantograph) |
| Passenger capacity | 80+ |
| Seats | 31 |
| USB charging | 12 dual ports |
| Driver assistance | 360° camera, Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist, Preventive Brake Assist 2, Traffic Sign Assist |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair space, tactile handrails, folding ramp |
Market context
Daimler Truck has identified public transport electrification as a growth area. By offering buses with integrated charging infrastructure, Daimler strengthens its competitive position against rivals like Volvo Buses, MAN, and BYD.
For European cities, the push for CO2-neutral public transport aligns with EU climate goals. Bonn’s adoption of eCitaro and depot charging builds toward compliance with emissions-free fleet targets in the 2030s.
The next step will depend on real-world performance. If the 490 kWh configuration delivers consistent daily range, Bonn could scale its electric bus operations further. For Daimler, successful deployments like this are proof points in winning long-term electrification contracts.
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