ESWE Verkehrsgesellschaft in Wiesbaden has unveiled its newly remodelled bus depot, equipped to support a fleet of 120 electric buses. The depot now features 120 charging stations, allowing each electric bus to draw power for their daily trips. Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH played a crucial role as the technology partner for this ambitious project.
Since 2019, Daimler Buses has supplied ESWE with 120 battery-electric eCitaro buses. The collaboration extended beyond bus deliveries, as both ESWE and Daimler Buses worked together to convert the Wiesbaden depot to accommodate the electric fleet. This involved creating 24 additional charging options and implementing intelligent load and charging management systems.
The federal government contributed 52.4 million euros towards the purchase of the electric buses and the development of the charging infrastructure. The project initially involved the direct involvement of Daimler Buses’ technology team before the establishment of Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH in mid-2023, which now focuses on the electrification of bus operations.
According to Till Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses, ESWE’s comprehensive order was a pivotal moment that led to the establishment of Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH: “The major order from ESWE was not only special for us in terms of volume, it also laid the foundation for Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH and was therefore of strategic importance.”
The vehicles in Wiesbaden are charged at the depot with up to 150 kW using charging reels, allowing for flexible use of the depot space. Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH served as the general contractor for the project, overseeing all construction measures.
ESWE Verkehrsgesellschaft currently operates approximately 290 buses on 43 routes, transporting around 60 million passengers annually. With the conversion to electric buses, more than a third of the fleet now consists of eCitaro models.
