Kiel Transport Company (KVG) has awarded Daimler Buses a contract to supply 28 battery-electric articulated buses, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027 as the German public transport operator continues its transition toward a fully electric fleet.
The agreement, which includes an option for five additional vehicles, follows a Europe-wide procurement process in which Daimler Buses was selected as the most economical bidder. According to the companies, the evaluation considered operating and lifecycle costs, compliance with KVG’s technical requirements, the vehicle’s high-voltage architecture, and sustainability criteria.
Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G Selected for Fleet Expansion
The order covers four-door Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G articulated buses powered by NMC4 battery technology, which Daimler Buses introduced slightly more than a year ago. Each vehicle will be equipped with five battery packs, providing a total installed energy capacity of 555 kWh.
The buses will be charged using pantograph systems, although neither KVG nor Daimler Buses disclosed additional details regarding vehicle specifications or charging infrastructure. The total value of the contract was also not announced. However, a spokesperson told German broadcaster NDR that a single electric bus is expected to cost approximately €950,000.
Deliveries Planned Between 2027 and 2028
The first vehicle will arrive as a pre-series unit during the third quarter of 2027, allowing KVG to begin preparations before the larger rollout. Deliveries of the remaining buses are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028.
Kiel Lord Mayor Samet Yilmaz said the investment supports the city’s climate and public transport objectives.
“With the procurement of additional electric buses, KVG is sending a strong signal for modern, climate-friendly, and future-proof public transport. This investment makes an important contribution to achieving our climate protection goals and simultaneously enhances the attractiveness of public transport in Kiel.”
KVG Managing Director Andreas Schulz said the latest purchase represents another step in the company’s electrification strategy.
“With the procurement of the new eCitaro G, KVG is consistently continuing its expansion of emission-free mobility. Our fleet currently comprises 218 vehicles, including 122 electric buses.”
Part of Long-Term Electrification Strategy
KVG’s electric fleet already includes 50 battery-electric buses ordered from Dutch manufacturer VDL in 2023. According to NDR, deliveries of those vehicles experienced delays, although all units have since entered service in Kiel.
The newly ordered eCitaro G buses are expected to further increase the share of electric vehicles in the fleet from late 2027 onward. KVG has set a target of converting its entire bus fleet to battery-electric operation by 2032, making it one of several German public transport operators pursuing long-term zero-emission transport goals.