Italian public transport operator Asti Servizi Pubblici (ASP) has taken delivery of the first Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K electric buses built since series production began in autumn 2024, marking a significant step in the company’s fleet electrification efforts. The four compact buses were delivered alongside twelve 12-metre eCitaro models as part of a larger tender.
The eCitaro K, unveiled in September 2024, is a 10.6-metre version of the standard eCitaro electric bus, designed for urban routes with tight turns. With a turning circle of 17.28 metres, the buses are “particularly suitable for application in local public transport with narrow, winding routes in the city centre and suburbs of Asti,” Daimler Buses said. ASP has opted for the maximum configuration of six NMC battery packs per vehicle, offering up to 588 kWh of energy storage.
Alongside the four eCitaro K models, ASP has also received twelve 12-metre eCitaro buses, with a thirteenth unit set to arrive later. Like the compact versions, these vehicles feature six battery packs for extended range and will be charged overnight at ASP’s depot. The eCitaro K can accommodate 81 passengers, while the 12-metre version has capacity for 77.
Daimler Buses also confirmed that ASP’s new fleet is equipped with the Bus Data Centre, an interface that connects to Omniplus digital services. The Omniplus On Uptime pro system provides real-time fault monitoring and diagnostics, allowing maintenance teams to address issues proactively and minimize downtime.