When the batch of e-buses will be delivered, almost half of VAG bus fleet will run on green electricity. By 2030, the entire bus operation are set to be electrified.

In January 2021 VAG Nuremberg ordered 28 MAN Lion’s City 18 E and 11 MAN Lion’s City 12 E buses from MAN Truck & Bus.

VAG Nuremberg buys further electric buses

With the help of government subsidies, the operator VAG announces it has purchased a further batch of 16 12-meter and 30 articulated zero emission buses. These are set to gradually enter service by the end of the year.

The solo bus offers space for a total of 73 passengers. The articulated bus has 44 seats and 83 standing places, so it can carry a total of 127 passengers. In order to best meet the needs of different passengers, there are multi-purpose areas behind the second door, and additionally behind the third door on articulated buses, for people with wheelchairs, prams or luggages.

In 2021, VAG put the eBus port into operation in Schweinau, where 39 e-buses can be parked and charged. Now more charging capacity is now needed. “The existing parking hall is therefore now being upgraded in terms of fire protection and equipped with charging facilities. In a first step, 46 e-buses will be able to be parked here. The parking hall will also be extended by 24 additional covered parking spaces. According to current plans, there will be capacity for 171 e-buses after the end of the conversion”, VAG Nuremberg says.

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As part of the overall eMobility system, an integrated solution consisting of hardware and software will support transport companies in the rapid conversion to electromobility.

Daimler Truck – IVU: charging management of city bus fleets

For the charging of entire vehicle fleets, the current state of charge of each individual bus, the necessary amount of electricity at the right time for the next trip and the load limits of the power supply have to be precisely taken into consideration. Only if charging management, operational management and depot management work together smoothly can maximum efficiency of ten, hundred, a thousand or more city buses be ensured, as well as their integration into precisely synchronized timetables, Daimler Truck stresses. 

How IVU.suite for Mercedes eCitaro works

The IVU.suite software assigns each bus a defined charging point when it enters the depot. Smart charging management knows the current state of charge and makes sure that all buses are charged with the required amount of electricity for their next trip, including preconditioning of the battery and passenger compartment. 

The software knows the current state of charge as well as the target state of charge and time of charge, the age and condition of the batteries, the available total power, ready-to-use charging stations as well as energy costs. Even the weather and the number of passengers are included in the calculation of the required amount of electricity, as are any opportunity charges along the route. 

The eCitaro is communicative and connects to the charging infrastructure via the ISO 15118 protocol. Companies will be able to gain insight into the operating data of their fleet via the Omniplus On Portal by the Omniplus service brand from Daimler Buses. 

Daimler Buses – IVU: a tailor-made solution from a single source

Mirko Sgodda, Head of Sales, Marketing and Services at Daimler Buses: “With the hardware of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro and the software from IVU, Daimler Buses is providing transport operators with a tailor-made, field-tested system solution from a single source.”

Matthias Rust, CTO of IVU Traffic Technologies: “Our intelligent charging management ensures maximum performance and availability of the bus fleet at minimum cost – because IVU.suite consolidates all relevant data.”

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Daimler Truck increased its revenue by 10% in 2021 compared to 2020. That’s what the global group communicated during today’s online press conference, the first since the spin-off from the car and van segment. Most of the focus has actually been on the truck segment.

Daimler Truck has the target of selling only carbon-free vehicles in Europe, North America and Japan by 2039.

Daimler Truck 2021 results: 20% more truck and buses sold

Of course, the quite positive figures recorded in 2021 (compared to 2020, which was a very tricky year, considering the pandemic outbursts all over the world) are affected by the uncertainties coming from the ongoing semiconductor shortage on a global level, the evolution of the pandemic, as well as the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which started exactly one month ago.

last year Daimler Truck benefitted from an overall economic recovery in the most important commercial vehicle sales markets in the financial year 2021 and significantly increased its unit sales, revenue and net profit. With 455,400 units, 20% more trucks and buses have been sold worldwide in 2021 compared to prior-year level (378,300 units). The company gained advantage from a recovery in its most important markets, especially in the first half of 2021. While demand remained strong across core markets during the second half, supply constraints slowed production and limited volume growth especially for heavy duty vehicles in North America and Europe.

The ongoing electrification strategy

Quoting from the group’s press note, «the company’s revenue increased to € 39,8 billion in 2021 (+ 10% compared to previous year: € 36,0 billion). Supported by a very strong demand environment and driven by all segments Daimler Truck’s incoming orders for 2021 in the industrial business have mounted to 590,000 units, a plus of 37% compared to prior year (430,500 units). Even more important, 2021 also showed a favorable development for earnings and Return on Sales (RoS) driven by strong sales, an improved net pricing and cost reduction measures. The adjusted EBIT (earnings before interests and taxes) significantly rose to € 2,552 million (previous year: € 657 million). The adjusted RoS of the Industrial Business in 2021 was at 6.1% versus previous year’s RoS adjusted of 1.9%. The Free Cash flow of the Industrial Business amounted to € 1,556 million in the reporting year (2020: € 1,781 million). All in all, Daimler Truck delivered on the targets for cost reduction and margin improvement. Simultaneously Daimler Truck faced headwinds by the effect that the supply chain constrains predominantly affected the Group’s highly profitable truck portfolio in North America and Europe».

Truck electrification in the spotlight

The Q&A sessions of today’s online press conference saw several questions related to alternative tractions in the truck field, as Daimler Truck will see the advent of the eEconic this year, following the start of serial production of the eActros in 2021. CEO Martin Daum confirmed that the path towards electrification will not be affected by the current international issues. He did not release any figure on orders and sales achieved so far, but said that Daimler wants to «at least triple» the number of electric vehicles (including buses) sold in 2022 compared to 2021. Furthermore, the company’s focus is also on hydrogen development, with the cellcentric project and above all the H2 truck, whose serial production is scheduled in 2027.

Daimler Truck «emphasized its ambition to reduce R&D and CapEx (capital expenditures) by 15% until 2025 compared to the 2019 level despite the need for increased investment in ZEV (zero emission vehicle) technologies. Consequently the company strictly applied its capital allocation process focusing on future returns on capital as well as transformation ambitions. In 2021, Daimler Truck already reduced our R&D and CapEx by 18% compared to 2019. Reduction of ICE (internal combustion engine) related investments had a head start compared to the required ramp-up of ZEV investments, hence the 15% reduction ambition remains valid for 2025».

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The official signing took place in Wroclaw at the headquarters of the Mercedes-Benz service partner, the Wróbel Group. The vehicles are to be delivered to the municipal transportation company in the third quarter of 2023. 

NMC batteries for eCitaro G in Wroclaw, Poland

Second-generation nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries (NMC) will feed the electric motors of the 11 eCitaro G buses. This battery technology is equally suitable for depot and high-power charging. Thanks to the battery capacity of 396 kWh, the public transportation company can adapt the use and charging strategy of the vehicles to its individual needs, Daimler Truck says. In the future, vehicles will be charged using a pantograph both in the depot and on the routes themselves.

Mercedes eCitaro in Poland, with intelligent thermal management

One advantage of the eCitaro is intelligent thermal management, which has a significant positive influence on the operating range both in summer and winter. In addition to the automatic temperature control system for the vehicle interior, the thermal management system also integrates battery temperature management. The heating and air conditioning system is based on a CO2 heat pump (by Konvekta) connected to a water circuit. Thanks to the heat pump, the energy consumption is reduced compared with electrically operated side wall heaters with blowers, and the operating range increases in winter.

The vehicles feature ergonomic arrangement of seats and handrails, a space for strollers and wheelchairs, an air conditioning system, a comprehensive passenger information system with several monitors, integrated ticket machines and card terminals as well as USB ports for charging mobile devices. To make pedestrians and cyclists more aware of the silent eCitaro, the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) generates an artificial background noise up to a speed of 30 kilometers per hour, similar to that of a fuel-powered vehicle. In addition, the eCitaro buses are equipped with a fire alarm system in the drive compartment as standard.

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With the locally zero-emission and silent articulated buses, the transport company will fully electrify its downtown route 934. Within the framework of the order, Daimler Buses as the general contractor will also supply the necessary infrastructure in addition to the articulated buses. 

333 electric buses have been delivered during 2021: the manufacturer placed third last year for e-bus registrations in Europe.

Around 53 million passengers travel on 101 buses and 57 trams managed by DVG every year. The route network covers 501.5 kilometers, on which DVG operates 43 bus routes with a length of almost 450 kilometers, three tram lines and one light rail line. It serves a total of 735 bus and tram stops. The bus fleet predominantly relies on the Mercedes-Benz Citaro.

DVG rolls out eCitaro electric buses in Duisburg

Ten high-performance high-voltage battery assemblies with a total capacity of 330 kWh ensure an adequate range. The rechargeable batteries are based on the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries (NMC2) with increased energy density. The buses can be charged either via a plug or a pantograph (extendable current collector) on the front section of the bus. Charging will take place at the DVG depot.

In order to make it easier for transport companies to switch to electric mobility, Daimler Buses can also supply the necessary infrastructure in addition to the buses as part of a turnkey solution. In Duisburg, as part of a prime contractorship, this includes seven stationary chargers with contact hoods in the depot as well as two pantograph charging stations outdoors as well as a mobile charger. The scope of services also includes planning, project development and construction of the necessary power supply infrastructure as well as the associated construction measures.

Omniplus eService maintenance contract for the eCitaro in Duisburg

Omniplus protects the electric articulated buses with an eService maintenance contract. Charging processes are monitored and controlled using software developed by partner company IVU Traffic Technologies, which has been implemented in joint coordination at DVG. In addition, the charging management system is also connected to the Daimler Buses data interface, with which real-time data from the operation of the electric buses is sent directly to the charging management system via the Daimler Buses Cloud.

A welcoming interior with a wood look floor is the first thing passengers see. Seat cushion and backrest of the Mercedes-Benz City Star Function seating are upholstered in fabric. Grab bars and handrails are highly visible thanks to their signal red paintwork. Yellow floor covering marks the entrance areas to the buses’ three doors.

DVG pays particular attention to passengers with restricted mobility. This is evident from the two special-purpose areas on the left and right for wheelchairs and strollers around door two. It even includes fastening straps for walking aids. Folding seats are designed to add passenger capacity in these areas. Two TFT screens provide information to the passengers.

The driver cockpit is also conveniently equipped with separate climate control, a seat with electric lumbar support and an electrically adjustable inside rearview mirror, among other things. A driver’s cab door with partition across the entire width of the door demonstrates safety. The equipment of the articulated buses with Preventive Brake Assist active braking assistant and the Sideguard Assist turning assistant as well as a reversing camera represents a completely different kind of safety. Six cameras monitor the interior.

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Welcome Mercedes-Benz Group AG

«The renaming to Mercedes-Benz Group AG underlines our renewed strategic focus. In doing so, we want to make clear where we see the core of our company – building the most desirable cars in the world. The Mercedes star has always been a promise for the future. Changing the present in order to improve it. We want to continue this legacy of our founders by taking the lead in electric mobility and vehicle software», stated Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Parallel to the renaming of Daimler AG, Daimler Mobility AG is also adapting its brand. Under the name Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, the company offers mobility services for passenger cars and vans in the areas of financing, leasing and insurance. In addition, the finance and mobility division enables Mercedes-Benz customers to use their vehicles flexibly via rental and subscription models, fleet management and digital services for charging and payment.

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“This is the first ever test of an 18-metre long battery-electric bus for local public transport at this altitude. It is a special moment for zero-emission mobility,” comments the mobility councillor of the Province of Bolzano, Daniel Alfreider, who took part in the first test run from the hamlet of Compaccio, in the municipality of Castelrotto, to Saltria and back.

“Thanks to the national recovery and resilience plan, the investments we are trying to achieve will be used in South Tyrol for new means of transport for sustainable mobility,” said the councillor, reiterating that “the goal the Province is trying to achieve is zero-emission mobility for South Tyrol“. The tests are therefore a big step towards this goal.

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Safety on top on the eCitaro for ÜSTRA

After many orders from German transport companies (Hamburg, Berlin, Mannheim, Wiesbaden…), Mercedes has recently started delivering the first export orders for the eCitaro. 20 electric bus units will be delivered by Daimler Buses in Luxembourg, Sweden and Norway, following a batch of three orders that will bring for the first time the battery powered eCitaro out of German borders.

The Mercedes eCitaro units ordered by ÜSTRA feature ten high-voltage battery packs with a total capacity of 243 kWh. They additionally also feature a roof-mounted pantograph for the purpose of intermediary charging at the terminus of the respective lines.

On the safety equipment side, the vehicles will be provided with Preventive Brake Assist active braking assistance system (the ABA 4 customized for city buses). Also Sideguard Assist on the eCitaro warns the driver when turning off the current road if pedestrians or cyclists are detected on the side of the vehicle to which the turn is taking place.

53 million for electric buses

Hanover’s ÜSTRA transport provider operates 331 metros, 141 buses and four electrically-powered ferries in Hanover, the center of Lower Saxon. The buses cover 38 lines and a total of 672 stops, which amounts to an annual mileage of around twelve million kilometres.

Since 2016, three Solaris Urbino 12 electric are operating in the city. In the next five years, the company aims to completely make the change to electrically-powered vehicles in the city centre. This would allow around 3,800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions to be saved on an annual basis, according to Daimler press release. The investment required is around 53 million euros. As reported on Urban Transport Magazine, the public transport company received 22.7 million euros of grants from the federal government and 3.3 million from the Lower Saxony regional transport company (LNVG) provides a total 3.3 million euros.

By concluding this framework agreement of up to 48 eCitaro and eCitaro G models, Mercedes and ÜSTRA will be continuing their collaboration. The manufacturer delivered around 100 Citaro buses of the first generation to ÜSTRA.

Hanover, full electric public transport by 2023

“ÜSTRA is rapidly working towards achieving emission-free mobility. We are proud that the eCitaro will be such an important component of their electric bus campaign,” explains Ulrich Bastert, Head of Marketing, Sales and Customer Services at Daimler Buses.

“In Daimler, we are pleased to have found an experienced manufacturer of electric buses, which, by delivering 48 eCitaro buses, will be the basis of our ambitious aim to completely electrify Hanover’s public transport by 2023,” explains Denise Hain, Member of the ÜSTRA Board of Management for Operations and Personnel.

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Mercedes Citaro NGT Hybrid, a new concept

EBS (Egged Bus Systems) is operating 93 urban buses on bus routes around The Hague. The EBS public transport company is located in the town of Purmerend north of Amsterdam and operates several bus routes in the Netherlands. In addition to the gas-powered engine, hybrid module and the ZF Ecolife automatic transmission, the urban buses are equipped with electrohydraulic intelligent eco steering – a recuperation module for recuperating electric power – and LED headlamps, Mercedes points out.

Passengers enjoy an air-conditioned passenger compartment, comfortable Inter Star Eco overland seats with particularly high backrests and infotainment with TFT screens in a 29-inch format (two on solo buses or three on articulated buses). Passengers can charge their own end devices using USB ports.

Mercedes Citaro, CO2 neutral with biogas

The Mercedes-Benz M 936 G gas-powered engine delivers 222 kW (302 hp) from 7.7 l displacement and achieves a maximum torque of 1200 Nm. When used in conjunction with biogas or biomethane, the Citaro NGT hybrid is almost CO2 neutral.

The electric motor of the hybrid module supports the gas-powered engine primarily when the vehicle pulls away and the demand for power is high with an output of up to 14 kW and 220 Nm torque. The ability to provide for this maximum demand in power reduces fuel consumption, by up to 8.5 percent, according to the manufacturer. The electric power for the electric motor is recuperated during braking and overrun phases at no cost. It is stored in double-layer capacitors – so-called supercaps. The mild hybrid concept is gaining popularity all over Europe (particularly in Italy).

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The special feature of this charging station, Daimler points out, is that the charging devices are suspended at a height of around five metres above the ground. The station serves to charge the eCitaro as part of the production process and ahead of delivery to customers. Plus, new charging technologies such as charging management, new communications protocols, new hardware for charging using a cable or a roof-mounted pantograph can be tried and tested. The infrastructure is expandable as required.

After many orders from German transport companies (Hamburg, Berlin, Mannheim, Wiesbaden…), Mercedes has just started delivering the first export orders for the eCitaro. 20 electric bus units will be delivered by Daimler Buses in Luxembourg, Sweden and Norway, following a batch of three orders that will bring for the first time the battery powered eCitaro out of German borders.

All charging technologies in one solution

The charging station is compatible with all common charging technologies, Daimler highlights: 150 kW cable-bound charging, 300 kW rapid charging using a pantograph on the bus roof and 300 kW rapid charging using a permanently installed set of charging rails on the roof of the bus (inverted pantograph).

1.2 MW to charge Mercedes eCitaro

Four parking bays are available: four charging devices with 150 kW output each and two with 300 kW each: one uses a pantograph, the other uses inverted pantograph. The six charging devices enjoy shared use by three different technologies and two different manufacturers (Daimler Buses doesn’t specifies name of the manufacturers). The total connection power at the charging station is 1.2 megawatts. The corresponding cables are roughly as thick as a human arm and run in an extendible cable channel in the ground.

Charging stations off ground for eCitaro

As space in the bus plant is at a premium, Mercedes-Benz has decided to move off the ground, installing the eCitaro charging station at the height of the upper floor of the building. An idea which many transport companies also use. It doesn’t just save space, it also protects against costly accidents between manoeuvring buses and the charging technology.

The electric charging station is located directly behind the vehicle handover hall and thus has a strategically interesting location. To save electrically-powered city buses from having to carry out complex manoeuvring, the charging station has been built in a space-saving way to resemble a bridge. The city buses drive straight under the charging station and park right there for charging.

The charging station is positioned on a total of ten pillars and is accessible from all sides. For service purposes, wide steps lead up to the charging devices on the upper deck, as it were. These are protected against the influences of the weather by means of a roof.

Information station for customers

There were several reasons which led to the decision to set up the central electric charging station within the plant’s premises. After leaving the production line, the manufacturer points out, each new eCitaro is put through a comprehensive series of tests, both at the company’s own test track and on public roads – and the pre-requisite for completing this intense series of checks, which are incidentally also part of the regular Citaro’s production process, is of course a charged battery.

At the charging station, the focus is on testing both charging via the roof and the vehicle’s own technology. The checks for road approval-relevant aspects already take place before the test drives. Also charged here ahead of their company-internal test drives are test vehicles and new technologies. Lastly, customers visiting the plant can also stop by at the electric charging station and read the information panels there regarding the various charging technologies as well as seeing them in use first-hand.

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