SWO Mobil has selected Daimler Buses as the supplier for 19 new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses, marking a significant step towards electrified mobility in local public transport. The buses are set to be delivered gradually starting from 2025.
The contract for the fully electric and emission-free eCitaro solo buses was awarded following a Europe-wide tender. Rüdiger Kappel, Head of Sales Public Transport Germany at Daimler Buses, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted that the eCitaro electric bus partnership with SWO Mobil has now started. This order is another important step for us in the expansion of electrified mobility in local public transport in German and international cities.”
The 12-meter-long eCitaro solo buses feature three entrance doors and have a maximum capacity of 69 passengers, with up to 30 seats and 39 standing places. The buses are painted in the red and white colors of SWO Mobil and include a manually operated folding ramp at the rear entrance door for passengers with reduced mobility. The passenger compartment is equipped with numerous USB double charging sockets for charging mobile devices.
To ensure passenger comfort, the buses are equipped with an environmentally friendly CO2 air-conditioning system operated with the R744 refrigerant, which does not damage the ozone layer. The buses also feature LED technology for their lighting system, including headlamps, perimeter lighting, and interior lights. Additionally, the buses are equipped with a roll/pitch control system (WNR).
In terms of safety features, the buses meet the requirements of the General Safety Regulation (GSR) that will apply throughout Europe from July 2024. They include powerful assistance systems such as Sideguard Assist 2 and Frontguard Assist, which warn of obstacles and people at the sides and in front of the bus.
The buses are powered by five 98.3 kWh battery packs, providing a total capacity of 491.5 kWh. This enables them to cover an operating range of around 270 kilometers on a single charge, more than sufficient for regular-service routes. The batteries are charged via depot charging at the depot of Stadtwerke Osnabrück.
