Daimler Buses said it has secured an order from Regionalbus Leipzig for nine eCitaro battery-electric buses and the construction of a new electric bus depot, as the municipal operator begins its shift away from diesel vehicles.
Regionalbus Leipzig, which runs about 160 vehicles on 80 urban and regional routes in southern Leipzig, plans to fully electrify its fleet by the early 2040s. The nine 12-metre solo buses are due for delivery by early 2027, with an option for 18 more by mid-2028, Daimler Buses said.
As part of the contract, Daimler will expand the operator’s existing depot with a new open-sided carport featuring 20 parking spaces, charging infrastructure and a transformer station, as well as solar and battery storage. Initially, ten CCS2 charging points will be installed, with an option for 17 more.
“We listen to the customer and implement the individual charging infrastructure solution for them and with them,” said Steffen Germ, CEO of Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH. “So, we are proud that we have also convinced Regionalbus Leipzig GmbH to order a complete tailor-made solution that will prepare it for bus transport that will be CO2 free.”
Daimler Buses launched its dedicated solutions unit in 2023 to provide one-stop services for fleet electrification, including depot infrastructure and charging management. The unit is working with partners Ingenieurbüro Schlender, Consass, ABB and Sinos, the latter a Regensburg-based smart charging specialist in which Daimler holds a 49% stake.
The €3.6 million project is supported by subsidies from Germany’s federal government and the state of Saxony. Regionalbus Leipzig has also applied for additional funding to support its option for more buses and chargers.