Daimler Buses has announced a significant order from Italy’s Autoservizi Troiani, which operates a bus network in the eastern suburbs of Rome. The company has placed an order for 110 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses, with some units equipped with Daimler Buses’ new NMC4 batteries.
The delivery of these buses will occur progressively, with the first 10 already in operation since September 2024. The entire fleet is expected to be delivered by mid-2026.
Autoservizi Troiani has deployed the initial buses in areas such as Grotte Celoni, Ponte Mammolo, Pantano, and Rebibbia, with plans to convert its entire fleet to electric and hybrid models over the next five years.
The eCitaro buses, 12 meters in length, accommodate up to 73 passengers and feature modern air conditioning and particulate filters. The buses’ design is distinctive, sporting Autoservizi Troiani’s signature dark red and white livery.
One notable aspect of the order is the use of the new NMC4 battery generation in 45 of the buses, while 65 will still utilize the current NMC3 batteries. This marks one of the first significant deployments of the NMC4 batteries, which promise improved energy density and a longer lifespan.
Daimler Buses has collaborated with BMZ Poland for battery assembly, signaling a shift away from previous battery supplier Akasol. The NMC3 battery, introduced in 2022, offers ranges of up to 280 kilometers for solo buses and 220 kilometers for articulated buses.
