Ten eCitaro delivered in Bonn together with charging infrastructure

Stadtwerke Bonn (SWB) has taken delivery of ten fully electric Mercedes eCitaro solo buses along with a complete charging infrastructure designed and built by Daimler Buses and its subsidiary Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH.

The upcoming delivery of Mercedes e-buses was already announced by Anja Wenmakers, managing director of SWB, in an interview we held in June 2024.

The turnkey charging infrastructure has been installed at SWB’s Friesdorf depot and includes ten charging points: two CCS2 plug-in chargers and eight pantograph chargers mounted on a steel traverse system. The pantographs operate in “panto-down” mode, lowering onto the charging rails installed on the bus roofs. The use of mobile concrete foundations makes the structure relatively easy to move and reinstall, offering flexibility for future depot needs.

SWB opts for pantograph charging

Each of the new 12-metre eCitaro buses is fitted with five NMC3 battery packs, providing a total capacity of 490 kWh and enabling high daily ranges. Vehicles feature charging rails for pantograph charging and a side socket for CCS2 plug-in charging, allowing operational flexibility. SmartCharge technology is integrated to optimise battery life, while the onboard Bus Data Centre prepares the fleet for digital fleet management and connectivity services.

Passenger safety and comfort were also central to the project. The buses are equipped with a 360° camera system, Sideguard Assist 2, Preventive Brake Assist 2 and multiple other assistance systems. Inside, the buses carry more than 80 passengers, with a dedicated wheelchair space, tactile handrails for visually impaired passengers, and a folding ramp for accessibility. Comfort features include climate control with heat pump, antiviral filters, USB charging sockets and a large TFT information display.

For drivers, the vehicles offer a fully enclosed SWB-specific cab, eco steering, and an ergonomic seat with climate control.