The transport operator, SWEG, based in Lahr in Germany's Black Forest region, will be taking the first Mercedes-Benz eCitaro REX (Range Extender) from series production and putting it on the road. SWEG and Daimler Buses signed the corresponding letter of intent today. Delivery will be over the course of 2022.
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News 2020
High-tech city bus for SWEG: the transport operator and Daimler sign letter of intent for the fully-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro bus with fuel cell.
Mercedes-Benz eCitaro: on a fast track to replacing the diesel engine.
As promised further development of the fully-electric, locally emission-free eCitaro first presented in 2018 is progressing rapidly. This year, new generations of batteries are again increasing its range considerably. These include solid-state batteries – a pioneering achievement in automotive construction.
With this letter of intent, SWEG is now investing in the next level; the eCitaro with fuel cell as a range extender. While travelling it generates electrical energy from hydrogen. This further increases range so that ultimately the eCitaro can seamlessly replace conventionally driven city buses even when an extensive range is required.
"Our company has always been a pioneer in the field of new and sustainable forms of mobility," says the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Management at SWEG, Johannes Müller. "That is why we would also like to gain experience in the area of hydrogen technology in the field," says the future Chairman of the Board of Management at SWEG, Tobias Harms. Ulrich Bastert, Head of Marketing, Sales and Customer Services at Daimler Buses: "The eCitaro with fuel cell is a further milestone in the development of environmentally friendly city buses. We are delighted that our partner, SWEG, has opted for this advanced technology."
From 2022, SWEG expects to initially operate the two-door solo bus from the company's base in Lahr. At present the company is developing a concept for providing the city bus with hydrogen.
Stuttgart, 30 March 2020
- Mercedes-Benz eCitaro: on a fast track to replacing the diesel engine
- SWEG: more than 400 buses and a focus on environmental conservation and safety
SWEG: more than 400 buses and a focus on environmental conservation and safety.
SWEG (Südwestdeutsche Landesverkehrs-AG) is a company based in Lahr in Germany's Black Forest region which operates urban and inter-city bus transportation as well as both local rail passenger transport and rail freight services in the state of Baden-Württemberg and neighbouring regions. The company owns about 400 buses and leases around a further 60. SWEG employs more than 1300 people.
The transport operator relies on environmentally friendly buses. In past years SWEG has tested many alternative drive types – including natural gas buses. The transport company also uses electric and diesel-electric hybrid buses. SWEG also places great importance on maximum safety; a fact reflected in the equipment of the Citaros that were delivered last which includes Sideguard Assist.
SWEG and Daimler have been working closely together for many years. As a result the company's bus fleet comprises mainly vehicles from EvoBus GmbH. In recent years EvoBus has supplied SWEG with around 40 buses a year. In the past, the first big anniversary celebrated by the Mercedes-Benz Citaro attested to this close business relationship: exactly 20 years ago Mercedes-Benz delivered the 1000th Citaro to SWEG – the bus celebrated the sale of the 55,555th unit last year.
