Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr will be the first customer for Mercedes-Benz’s full electric city bus though Daimler is keeping its new product close to home.

Daimler subsidiary EvoBus and Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr have signed a memorandum of understanding and the first vehicles will be delivered at the end of2018 for operation in the Rhein-Neckar metropolitan region as part of customer trials.

“This means that the first examples… will remain close to home – as they are produced in Mannheim,” Daimler said in a statement.

“Apart from the delivery of vehicles, the two partners have agreed to closely exchange their findings during day to day regular service operations.”

The EV is a variant of the Citaro city bus line and is powered by lithium ion batteries sending electricity to electric wheel hub motors at the rear axle.

Daimler claims precise refined thermal management of the bus’s drive and climate control systems reduces energy consumption significantly, extending range.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Prototypes have successfully run through initial winter testing at the Arctic circle as well as summer testing in the heat of Spain’s Sierra Nevada.

Endurance testing and detailed refinements will now follow, so the EV can offer maximum availability on a par with that of a diesel city bus.