Daimler Buses Unveils Latest Vehicle Developments and Battery Solutions for Electric Bus Fleets at eMobility Days 2.0
Foreks - The Daimler Buses eMobility Days 2.0, showcasing the latest vehicle developments, battery solutions, and services for electric bus fleets, was held in Berlin. Mercedes-Benz Türk, which conducts e-mobility initiatives in Turkey under Daimler Buses Solutions, plays a significant role in the electric transformation in the country through its e-mobility services.
Daimler Buses, a leading brand in the global heavy commercial vehicle industry, is accelerating the transition to electric mobility in its buses with a series of innovations. In this context, the company presented its latest vehicle innovations, battery solutions, and services for electric bus fleets at the Daimler Buses eMobility Days 2.0 in Berlin. The event, which was opened by Daimler Buses CEO Till Oberwörder, saw participation from numerous press representatives from around the world. The Mercedes-Benz Türk Istanbul R&D Center, which holds a significant position within the Daimler Buses network, drew attention with its vital contributions to the development of new generation bus models.
Higher capacity and longer lifespan with NMC4 battery! At the first eMobility Days held in Mannheim in 2022, Daimler Buses introduced its strategy and timeline for electrifying its city and intercity buses. Since then, the company has steadfastly implemented this strategy in terms of both vehicles and services and digital solutions. At the 2024 eMobility Days, it provided an overview of future technologies by showcasing its latest developments, products, and services. With the new Mercedes-Benz eIntouro prototype model presented at the event, the company aims to meet the demand for electric mobility on intercity and short-distance travel routes. Additionally, the new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K offers compact e-mobility, while the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Fuel Cell introduces a new "H2 mode" capable of operating entirely on hydrogen for specific operational scenarios. The company also introduced its new NMC4 battery, which provides higher capacity and longer lifespan, along with the versatile e-mobility services offered by Daimler Buses Solutions and the new digital services represented by Omniplus for electric buses.
Electric bus testing bears the Mercedes-Benz Türk signature! Continuing its efforts in Turkey under Daimler Buses Solutions, Mercedes-Benz Türk plays a critical role in the company's future readiness with its essential models. The interior equipment, body, exterior coatings, electrical infrastructure, diagnostic systems, road tests, and equipment durability tests of the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro, which was produced by Daimler Truck in 2018 as the first electric bus, were performed by the Mercedes-Benz Türk Istanbul R&D Center. The first prototype of the eCitaro underwent testing for two years, covering approximately 140,000 kilometers and lasting 10,000 hours under Turkey's challenging climate conditions and various driving scenarios before hitting the roads. The fully electric eCitaro buses, which have passed rigorous testing as part of Turkey's global responsibilities, continue to operate in various European cities.
Comprehensive services for electric transformation from a single source at Mercedes-Benz Türk! In the transportation and logistics sectors in Turkey, Mercedes-Benz Türk is addressing the sale of electric vehicles as a complete package to facilitate electric transformation. The company determines the vehicle range and necessary charging infrastructure that clients will require to operate efficiently under the scope of route and e-mobility consulting. From the proposal phase to the vehicles' operations, the company offers clients comprehensive packages comprising all necessary simulations, vehicles equipped according to customer needs, charging stations, electrical infrastructure, and fleet software.
Electric mobility for intercity and travel routes! The fully electric Mercedes-Benz eIntouro stands out as a prototype model nearing serial production for intercity buses. Based on the diesel-engine Mercedes-Benz Intouro model, the new vehicle is equipped with LFP batteries and a central motor-driven battery-electric system. This allows Daimler Buses to transition to electric mobility for intercity routes, school bus services, shuttle buses, travel routes, and short-distance journeys for the first time. For the first time, software updates can be loaded over a mobile network without requiring a service visit on a European bus.
Offering a range of 400 kilometers in the city! With its compact dimensions of 10.63 meters and a turning radius of only 17.28 meters, the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K can easily maneuver on narrow and winding routes in suburban areas and old city centers. Particularly suitable for operating with a limited passenger capacity, the vehicle offers a range of 400 kilometers under favorable conditions, thanks to its battery, which has a maximum capacity of 588 kWh in the current NMC3 version.
New operating mode for the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro! Equipped with a fuel cell as a range extender, the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Fuel Cell can operate solely on hydrogen thanks to its new "H2 mode" for specific operational scenarios. The battery in the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Fuel Cell no longer needs to be externally charged during stationary phases. Instead, the fuel cell will charge the battery while the vehicle is in motion. The hydrogen-powered Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Fuel Cell received the "Bus of the Year" and "Green Bus of the Year" awards at a competition organized by the Spanish publishing group EDITEC in 2024, which evaluated 28 different models of commercial vehicles used in transportation activities by 24 companies.
Capacity increase with the new NMC4 battery! At the event, Daimler Buses introduced its fourth generation lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries. The new NMC4 battery generation combines high energy density that allows electric buses to achieve longer ranges with a very long lifespan. The battery's longevity is achieved through a smoother charging process with a maximum charging capacity of 150 kW and regular fast charging operations up to 300 kW. The new NMC4 batteries will be used in the eCitaro, eCitaro G, eCitaro K, and eCitaro fuel cell models starting in early 2026.
Daimler Buses Solutions: Versatile electromobility from a single source Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH actively supports transport companies on their journey to transition to electromobility through consultancy services. The company specializes in the design, construction, and consulting of electromobility infrastructure and collaborates with its in-house experts to provide the entire eMobility ecosystem from a single source upon request.
New digital services for electric buses! OMNIplus, in addition to having the largest service network in Europe, is continually expanding its specialized workshop network for electric buses. In the area of digital services, OMNIplus is broadening its range with services tailored specifically for electric buses. Another innovation is the OMNIplus ON Battery Monitoring service, which provides fleet operators with information and efficient usage suggestions regarding high-voltage battery status. The Free Warranty Status service prevents potential warranty violations by providing insights into the battery’s warranty status, while for the new eIntouro model, OMNIplus will offer wireless software updates in the future without requiring a workshop visit. The OMNIplus system is also planned to be launched in the Turkish market soon.