SWO Mobil, a subsidiary of Osnabrück’s municipal utility, has chosen Daimler Buses as the supplier for 19 new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro electric buses, marking a significant step towards the complete electrification of its fleet.
The new eCitaro buses, to be delivered gradually from 2025, will increase the proportion of electric buses in Osnabrück to 94 per cent, making it one of the leading cities in Germany for electric buses, according to Daimler Buses.
These twelve-metre-long solo buses feature two axles and three doors, with a capacity to carry up to 69 passengers, 30 of whom can be seated, and 39 standing. Equipped with amenities such as air conditioning using CO2 as a refrigerant and numerous USB double charging sockets, the buses cater to passenger comfort and convenience.
SWO Mobil has opted for five battery packs in the drive system, each offering 98.3 kWh, resulting in a total installed capacity of 491.5 kWh. This configuration provides a range of around 270 kilometres, making it suitable for regular-service routes.
Charging for the eCitaro buses will be done exclusively at the depot, utilizing the existing charging infrastructure. However, additional charging points will be installed to accommodate the new vehicles.
The procurement of the 19 electric buses, along with the charging infrastructure, is supported by a subsidy of approximately 5.6 million euros from the German Federal Ministry of Transport.
Rüdiger Kappel, Head of Sales Public Transport Germany at Daimler Buses, expressed his satisfaction with 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.”
André Kränzke, Managing Director of SWO Mobil, praised Daimler Buses as a competent partner, stating, “With the new buses, we are increasing the proportion of electric buses in our fleet to 81 out of a total of 86 vehicles. This gives us an electric bus share of 94 per cent.”
