Daimler Buses Delivers Ten eCitaro Buses and Turnkey Charging Infrastructure to Bonn
An ambitious step toward greener mobility has taken shape in Bonn this summer. Daimler Buses has handed over ten fully battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro city buses, each 12 meters long, to Stadtwerke Bonn (SWB), the city’s municipal utility and public transport operator. Alongside the vehicles, Daimler Buses, together with its subsidiary Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH, also supplied a complete stationary charging infrastructure. This turnkey solution, consisting of ten charging points, was developed and implemented from a single source to ensure seamless integration.
The milestone will be publicly presented on August 20, 2025, by Anja Wenmakers, Managing Director of SWB Bus und Bahn, and Bonn’s Mayor, Katja Dörner. For SWB, the arrival of these new eCitaros not only expands its electric bus fleet but also signals further progress in Bonn’s long-term strategy of moving away from fossil fuels in public transport.
Building a Complete Charging Ecosystem
The new depot charging system has been constructed at the SWB bus depot in Friesdorf. Daimler Buses assumed full responsibility for planning, implementation, and commissioning, ensuring that the infrastructure and buses were delivered as a complete package. The project covered all aspects, including civil engineering, cable laying, electrical installation, and final integration of the charging stations.
The charging network consists of two CCS2 plug-in charging points that connect to the buses via charging arms. Complementing these are eight pantograph-based charging points. These pantographs are mounted on a steel traverse that stretches across the depot lanes, allowing them to lower onto the charging rails located on the bus roofs—a system known as “panto-down” charging. The design allows eight buses to be charged simultaneously, with four buses lined up per lane.
Adding to the system’s flexibility, the steel traverse structure has been mounted on mobile concrete foundations. This means the entire system can be relocated to another site in the future without excessive effort—a forward-thinking feature that ensures long-term adaptability.
The eCitaro: Power, Range, and Smart Charging
Each of the ten new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro solo buses is equipped with three entrance doors and a charging rail on the roof for pantograph connection. Additionally, a CCS2 plug-in socket is installed above the front axle on the right side, giving operators the flexibility to use either charging method.
The buses are powered by five NMC3 battery packs that together provide a total capacity of 490 kWh per vehicle. This battery setup supports long daily ranges suitable for urban service. To further optimize performance, the buses are fitted with “SmartCharge,” a charging control system that helps extend battery life by carefully regulating charging cycles.
Connectivity has also been built in from the start. Each eCitaro features the Bus Data Centre, which ensures compatibility with Daimler’s Omniplus On digital services. Onboard systems include ID-based ticketing, automated passenger counting, and data collection for route efficiency and service planning.
Safety and Assistance Systems
Passenger and driver safety were given high priority in the design of these vehicles. A comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems is standard, including:
- 360° camera system for full visual coverage around the bus.
- Sideguard Assist 2 to detect pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles on both sides of the vehicle.
- Frontguard Assist to identify people or objects immediately in front of the bus.
- Preventive Brake Assist 2, the latest generation of Daimler’s active emergency braking system, with extended pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Traffic Sign Assist, which monitors and communicates speed limits.
- Attention Assist (AtAs) to detect driver fatigue.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) for enhanced safety and efficiency.
Passenger Experience and Accessibility
The new eCitaros are designed to carry more than 80 passengers. A dedicated wheelchair space is located opposite the central entrance, equipped with a manual folding ramp to facilitate entry for wheelchair users, elderly passengers, and parents with strollers. Tactile handrails with a fluted profile at the doors provide clear guidance for visually impaired passengers.
Inside, the buses are video-monitored and fitted with City Star Function seating—31 seats in total. Comfort is maintained by the EvoThermatic roof-mounted climate control system with heat pump and antiviral filtration. Visual accessibility has also been considered: the grab rails are painted traffic yellow to contrast with the grey seating, flooring, and roof panels.
Passengers can also take advantage of modern conveniences. Twelve dual USB sockets are distributed across the vehicle, allowing mobile device charging on the go. A large 29.4-inch TFT monitor installed in the central aisle displays route information and other service updates.
A Focus on Driver Comfort
The driver’s workplace has also been designed for comfort and safety. Each bus features a rotating seat with armrests, heating, and independent climate control. The intelligent electrohydraulic eco steering system reduces driver workload and improves efficiency. For safety, SWB-specific driver cabins are installed, featuring full-width protective safety glass with voice openings, providing both security and communication ease.
Bonn’s Path Toward Sustainable Transport
The introduction of these ten eCitaros and their dedicated charging infrastructure represents a significant step in Bonn’s transition to sustainable, zero-emission public transport. By integrating vehicles, charging systems, safety features, and passenger comfort into a single package, Daimler Buses and SWB are setting a benchmark for how cities can approach the electrification of urban bus fleets.
As these vehicles enter scheduled service, residents and visitors of Bonn will experience firsthand how sustainable technology and modern design can transform everyday mobility—bringing the vision of an “electric summer dream” into daily reality.
