Daimler Buses wins €28 million tender for 40 electric buses and charging infrastructure in Pescara

Daimler Buses Italia has won a €28 million tender issued by TUA Abruzzo for the supply of 40 electric urban buses, with an option for eight additional vehicles, alongside charging infrastructure at the operator’s Pescara depot.

The contract, awarded to Daimler Buses Italia together with STI – Sviluppo Tecnologico Italiano, covers vehicle procurement, the design and construction of charging facilities and associated maintenance services at TUA’s depot in Via Aterno. The tender was launched in September 2025, according to Italian trade publication and our sister platform Autobusweb, which reported the award on 11 November 2026.

The contract has been awarded for €28,043,655.10, compared with an initial tender value of €31,968,303.33. Funding comes from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) resources allocated by the Abruzzo Region and from Italy’s National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Mobility (PSNMS), through funds allocated by the Municipality of Pescara.

Just this week Daimler Buses has announced plans for the launch of a new, EV-born generation of the eCitaro with launch next year and commercialization starting in 2028.

Daimler Buses Italia to supply 40 electric buses to TUA Abruzzo

The procurement comprises two categories of low-floor urban buses. The first includes 18 vehicles with a maximum length of 11 metres, while the second consists of 22 Class I buses with a maximum length of 12.48 metres.

The contract was awarded according to the most economically advantageous tender criterion, with technical, qualitative and organisational elements accounting for 60% of the evaluation and the financial offer representing the remaining 40%.

According to Autobusweb’s reporting, battery energy capacity and vehicle autonomy were among the main technical parameters considered during the tender evaluation.

The vehicles are specified to operate complete daily service shifts without intermediate charging. TUA plans to replace diesel buses on a one-for-one basis, maintaining the number of vehicles required to operate its scheduled services.

The report does not specify the exact Daimler Buses models selected, their battery capacities or the contractual range requirements.

Once the new vehicles enter service, Pescara’s electric urban bus fleet is expected to reach 60 units. Approximately 90 buses are currently used daily for urban services, excluding reserve vehicles and trolleybuses.

TUA’s stated objective is to operate urban bus services in Pescara without diesel-powered vehicles from 2027, using a predominantly electric fleet supplemented by a smaller number of natural gas buses.

New charging infrastructure at TUA’s Pescara depot

The contract also includes the construction of charging infrastructure at the Via Aterno depot, with provisions for subsequent electric bus acquisitions.

The first phase involves the installation of canopies covering 24 parking spaces, equipped with photovoltaic panels, charging equipment and the corresponding electricity grid connections.

The electrical system will be designed with a power capacity exceeding the requirements of the initial 40-bus supply. Executive design is scheduled for completion within 45 days, followed by technical verification and construction works, for which a duration of 180 days has been indicated.

Under the current project timetable, the charging infrastructure could become available between April and May 2027, with the first electric bus deliveries expected between June and July 2027.

In brief

• How many electric buses has TUA Abruzzo ordered?
  The contract covers 40 electric urban buses, with an option for eight additional vehicles.
• Who won the TUA Abruzzo tender?
  Daimler Buses Italia, together with STI – Sviluppo Tecnologico Italiano.
• What is the contract value?
  The contract was awarded for approximately €28.04 million, including charging infrastructure and related services.
• When will the new electric buses arrive in Pescara?
  Initial deliveries are scheduled between June and July 2027.

TUA Abruzzo and regional authorities comment on the electric fleet investment

Gabriele De Angelis, President of TUA, stated: “This investment confirms TUA’s commitment to the continuous renewal of its rolling stock, thanks to the resources made available by the Abruzzo Region and the Municipality of Pescara. From 2027, we aim to operate urban services in Pescara without diesel buses, with a predominantly electric fleet and, to a lesser extent, natural gas vehicles. An important step towards offering citizens increasingly modern, efficient and sustainable public transport.”

Maximilian Di Pasquale, General Manager of TUA, said: “We are creating a genuine electric ecosystem, in which vehicles, charging infrastructure and service planning form a single system. An industrial choice that allows us to continue renewing the fleet with a long-term vision, combining technological innovation, management efficiency and economic sustainability.”