Omniplus: New digital services for electric buses

• All new: Omniplus On Battery Monitoring and over-the-air updates
• Performance analysis for the eCitaro is on the way
• New from Omniplus On: Battery Monitoring
• “Over-the-air” system updates without a workshop visit
• Optimised charging processes thanks to Omniplus On Remote Charge Control

Bus customers of the Mercedes‑Benz and Setra brands benefit from the comprehensive services offered by Omniplus, the Daimler Buses service brand. This applies particularly to operators of electric buses such as the eCitaro, eCitaro G, eCitaro K and eCitaro fuel cell, as well as the eIntouro in the future. After all, Omniplus not only has the largest service network in Europe, but its network of specialist e-bus workshops with employees qualified to work on high-voltage components and the corresponding technical equipment already covers around 100 service centres in Europe and is growing all the time, too.

In addition, digital services are becoming increasingly important as they offer users the opportunity to make bus operations even more efficient, economical and safe. With its Omniplus On Portal, Daimler Buses already offers a wide range of digital services: from the Uptime and Uptime pro online remote diagnosis feature, to location services, consumption and driving analyses, through to Remote Charge Control for electric buses. Omniplus’ range of digital services includes virtual data interfaces – known as data packages – for customers with their own fleet management and control system, standardised data interfaces like the ITxPT TiGR standard, as well as interfaces between the Omniplus online spare parts order system and customer-specific goods management systems.

And that’s not all: Omniplus is constantly expanding its range of digital services and is currently adding features to include further services specifically for the eCitaro and, in future, the eIntouro electric interurban bus.

Performance analysis for the eCitaro is on the way

Previously only available for diesel vehicles, performance analysis from Omniplus On assesses the personal driving style of each driver according to certain parameters and includes the use of assistance systems. This evaluation provides information regarding which drivers have the potential for improvement in order to drive even more economically and safely. The digital service assesses driving styles according to four categories: acceleration, braking, steady driving and coasting.

In the case of electrically powered buses, there are numerous other parameters that need to be considered in the evaluation. Are auxiliary consumers such as heating and air conditioning being used efficiently? Do the doors at the bus stop remain open longer than necessary? How well does the driver use recuperation? Does the driving style put above-average strain on the battery?

These factors and other evaluations are covered by the performance analysis, which Omniplus will offer from the second quarter of 2025 with evaluations specially tailored to electric buses for the Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro, the eCitaro fuel cell and later also for the eIntouro. The digital evaluation tool relies on a wide range of real-time data that is transmitted to the Omniplus On Portal by the communication module, which is installed as standard on all Daimler Buses. The current data on the driving style of each driver is displayed in the Omniplus On Portal as a clearly arranged graphic. Bus operators also have the option of displaying an overall value for each driver, which summarises the quality of the driving style for both economic and safety aspects. If necessary, targeted training measures can be initiated and their progress monitored over the long term. The performance analysis feature is a functional component of Omniplus On Monitor and can be purchased individually for each bus for a monthly fee.

New from Omniplus On: Battery Monitoring

Another new digital service from Omniplus is Omniplus On Battery Monitoring. The service provides a quick overview of the condition of the high-voltage batteries in a Mercedes‑Benz electric bus fleet, proactively helping to extend battery life and prevent battery damage. The evaluation and assessment of battery monitoring is based on battery-relevant KPIs such as battery type, kilometre reading, age, battery cell temperature, state of health and many more.

With the Battery Monitoring service, the fleet operator not only receives detailed information on the condition of the high-voltage batteries in each vehicle, but also specific recommendations for action on how to handle the high-voltage battery with care and extend its service life. For example, the system recognises when a bus is parked with fully charged batteries for an extended period of time and recommends not charging them fully until shortly before the next scheduled journey start in order to preserve the battery. The digital battery monitor also detects other factors, such as the maximum state of discharge or excessive temperatures and recommends suitable measures. This prevents damage to the battery. The Battery Monitoring service can be booked for each vehicle in the Omniplus On Portal.

Omniplus offers the Warranty Status for all eCitaro and eCitaro fuel cell vehicles as a free service. This service provides detailed insights into the warranty status of the battery and prevents possible warranty violations. In addition to details on the vehicle and the battery, the customer is shown which services are covered by the warranty, how long the warranty applies, which warranty conditions must be fulfilled and which warranty violations have occurred so far.

“Over-the-air” system updates without a workshop visit

Daimler Buses is the first bus manufacturer in Europe to present a bus that is compatible with over-the-air updates. This means that software updates can be transferred to the vehicle via the mobile phone network using the standard communication module and installed without a workshop visit. The prerequisite for over-the-air updates is a new electronics architecture, which will be available in the new eIntouro for the first time. The update capability is not limited to necessary security updates. This technology also enables general software updates and changed settings, like those for the door control system, to be installed without a great deal of effort. This ensures that the vehicle receives important security and software updates in a timely manner. Over-the-air updates can even be used for activating optional retrofit functions. The updates are controlled via the digital Omniplus On Portal. If an update is available, the fleet manager receives a message and can then release individual vehicles for the update. The desired time for the installation can also be selected in the portal. Installation only takes place when the vehicle is stationary and the required system conditions are met. Over-the-air updates reduce the effort required for software installation and improve vehicle availability as a workshop visit is no longer necessary.

Optimised charging processes thanks to Omniplus On Remote Charge Control

With the new digital, bidirectional Remote Charge Control service, Omniplus On offers operators of electric bus fleets operational vehicle preparation. This means that electric buses can simply be precisely charged and preconditioned to be ready exactly when they are needed. This also includes selecting the type of preconditioning, i.e. heating, cooling or ventilation. The digital service for electric bus fleets runs independently of the charging infrastructure and helps to boost the vehicle’s range and the batteries’ service life.. It is also possible to set a certain maximum battery charge level to protect the battery, as well as define the scheduled departure time of each individual bus in order to have the full battery charge available for operation. In the eCitaro fuel cell, the operating modes can also be configured via Remote Charge Control. Remote Charge Control is an optionally available Omniplus On digital service component.