Daimler Buses is presenting its latest vehicle developments, battery solutions and services for electric bus fleets at the eMobility Days

• Near-production prototype: the new Mercedes‑Benz eIntouro: electric mobility for interurban and excursion routes
• The new Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro K: compact eMobility
• Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro fuel cell: new operating mode for all-hydrogen operation
• New NMC4 battery: more capacity, longer service life
• Daimler Buses Solutions: multi-faceted electromobility from a single sourceOmniplus: new digital services for electric buses

Leinfelden-Echterdingen/Berlin – With a whole bundle of innovations, Daimler Buses is driving forward the transformation towards electric mobility in buses. At the first eMobility Days in Mannheim in 2022, the company presented already its strategy and schedule for the electrification of city buses, interurban buses and touring coaches. Since then, the company has continued to work consistently on its implementation - both in terms of vehicles as well as services and digital services.

At the eMobility Days 2024, Daimler Buses will present the latest developments, products and services and give an overview of future technologies. The new Mercedes‑Benz eIntouro interurban bus can travel up to 500 kilometres^[1] electrically – as a regular service and on short excursions. The compact eCitaro K feels right at home on winding inner-city routes. The Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro fuel cell now also runs exclusively on hydrogen. A new battery generation impresses with an extensive service life. Electric mobility is available from a single source ex works, as are the appropriate digital services.

The new Mercedes‑Benz eIntouro: electric mobility for interurban and excursion routes

The near-production prototype of the all-electric Mercedes‑Benz eIntouro interurban bus is based on the familiar diesel-powered Intouro, but is equipped with a battery-electric drive with LFP batteries and a central motor instead. As a result, Daimler Buses is able to switch to electric mobility for the first time for interurban routes, school buses, shuttle buses and excursion routes, as well as for short trips. Two lengths are available: the 12.18-metre eIntouro and the 13.09-metre eIntouro M. For the first time in a European bus, software updates can be installed in the eIntouro “over the air” without a workshop visit.

New Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro K: compact eMobility

With a turning circle of only 17.28 metres, the compact 10.63-metre eCitaro K feels at home on narrow, winding routes in suburbs and older towns. Its specialities include operating with a limited number of passengers. With a maximum battery capacity of 588 kWh in the current NMC3 version, the eCitaro K guarantees a range of 400 kilometres under favourable conditions^[2]. The eCitaro K is available with either two or three doors.

Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro fuel cell: new operating mode for all-hydrogen operation

In the future, the eCitaro fuel cell model equipped with a fuel cell as a range extender can be operated with hydrogen as the only energy source in the new “H2 mode”, which can be used in certain operating scenarios. The battery and fuel cell are the energy source for the drive system. The battery no longer needs to be charged externally during stationary phases. It is not charged by the mains when the vehicle is stationary, but by the fuel cell while driving. This means that the eCitaro fuel cell can meet the requirements of individual transport operators who prefer to use green hydrogen instead of mains electricity as an energy source.

New NMC4 battery in the Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro: more capacity, longer service life

Daimler Buses presents the fourth generation of lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries. The new NMC4 battery generation will combine a high energy density, which enables electric buses to achieve longer ranges, with a very long service life. The battery’s longer service life is achieved thanks to more gentle charging, with a maximum charging capacity of 150 kW, as well as regular rapid charging processes, with a charging capacity of up to 300 kW. The new NMC4 batteries will be used in the eCitaro, eCitaro G, eCitaro K and eCitaro fuel cell from early 2026.

Daimler Buses Solutions: multi-faceted electromobility from a single source

Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH advises transport companies and actively supports them on their journey to electromobility. The company specialises in designing, building and advising on electromobility infrastructure. In cooperation with experts from Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH, Daimler Buses can supply the entire eMobility ecosystem from a single source on request: from the feasibility analysis to individually configured electric buses and the complete electromobility infrastructure – including construction measures, electrical installations, charging infrastructure, battery storage, charging management systems and other digital services.

Omniplus: new digital services for electric buses

Omniplus does not just have the largest service network in Europe; its European network of specialist e-bus workshops is also growing all the time, too. In terms of digital services, Omniplus is expanding its range with additional services specifically for electric buses. For instance, the performance analysis feature previously available for diesel vehicles will also be available for electric buses in the future, enabling users to assess their driving style. Another new feature is Omniplus On Battery Monitoring, which provides fleet operators with information on the condition of the high-voltage battery and recommendations on using it effectively. The free Warranty Status service offers insight into the warranty status of the battery and prevents possible warranty violations. For the new eIntouro, Omniplus will in future offer wireless software updates that don’t require a trip to the workshop.