After a tough selection process made up of several competitors, 14 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G buses are slated for use in the cities of Ulm, which lies on the banks of the Danube, and Neu-Ulm.
The first two electric articulated buses from Daimler Buses, which are emissions-free at the local level, were handed over on 1 July. Six more eCitaro G buses will follow in autumn 2024. The remaining six vehicles will be delivered next year.
The articulated buses, which are powered by state-of-the-art NMC3 batteries, meet all the criteria required by SWU Verkehr (the transport arm of Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm municipal services company). These include the minimum required range of 150 kilometres and telemetrics-based vehicle diagnostic systems, as well as innovative assistance systems that significantly increase active safety.
The 18.3-metre-long eCitaro G with four doors is equipped with a total of five NMC3 battery packs, promising 490 kWh of energy. The designation NMC3 stands for a generation of high-performance batteries (NMC: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide). The battery charging options are also extremely flexible: the articulated buses can be charged not only in the bus depot using sockets on the left and right-hand side above the front axle, but also while traveling by using a pantograph on the bus roof. A special roof-mounted camera system enables the bus to approach the pantograph charging station with maximum precision. Known as opportunity charging, this is essential for handling Ulm’s demanding bus routes under all conditions.
The latest assistance systems from Daimler Buses ensure the safety of up to 143 passengers and other road users. With Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist and the active braking assistance Preventive Brake Assist 2, Mercedes-Benz protects vulnerable road users and thus helps to avoid accidents. Added to this is the innovative Traffic Sign Assist system. Thanks to GPS and camera support, it continuously compares the vehicle speed with the valid traffic rules and gives visual and audible feedback if the permitted speed is exceeded.
With the 14 new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G buses, SWU Verkehr GmbH is not only driving into the future with absolute safety, but is fulfilling its responsibility for climate-friendly mobility.
