Intouro electrified: Mercedes-Benz unveils first electric intercity bus
Daimler Buses is moving out of the city and into the suburbs and wants to electrify interurban transport. The eIntouro, which the manufacturer has now presented at its multi-day ‘Daimler Buses eMobility Days 2.0,’ is set to guarantee a successful entry into this segment. The eIntouro is a high-floor bus based on the diesel-powered Intouro. In terms of the battery-electric drive, however, the new electrically powered intercity bus is less related to Mercedes’ Citaro electric city bus and more closely related to the Mercedes eActros 600 electric long-distance truck. Both vehicles use the same LFP battery, for example.
But first things first – a brief definition of intercity buses: both city buses and intercity buses are M3 vehicles (‘M’ stands for passenger transport, ‘3’ for a maximum permissible weight of more than 5 tonnes), but are divided into Class I and II. Class I includes vehicles with standing room that enable the transport of passengers on routes with numerous stops – i.e. city buses. Class II, on the other hand, includes vehicles for longer journeys with seated passengers. While Class I vehicles are subject to the Clean Vehicles Directive and may only be sold in the EU with zero emissions from 2035, Class II vehicles are subject to the CO2 standards for heavy commercial vehicles.
414 kWh capacity for a range of up to 500 km
With this background knowledge, let’s take a look at the data sheet: the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro is equipped with an electric central drive with 320 kW continuous power and up to two battery packs with a combined capacity of 414 kWh for a range of up to 500 kilometres. The intercity bus can be charged via a CCS type 2 connector with up to 300 kW. Replenishing the batteries fully would thus take one and a half hours. With only one battery pack installed, a full charge takes 70 minutes.
The batteries with LFP chemistry and 207 kWh each, as well as several high-voltage components, are the same as in the eActros 600 electric truck from parent company Daimler Truck – except that three packs with 621 kWh are installed in the long-distance truck – i.e. one more than the maximum configuration of the eIntouro. According to Till Oberwöder, CEO of Daimler Buses, the installation of the identical batteries is part of the common parts strategy that Daimler Buses is pursuing with Daimler Truck.
LFP chemistry, like in the eActros 600 electric truck
The first battery pack is always located in the space behind the front axle for weight distribution reasons. The optional second battery is located in the former engine compartment at the rear. The energy storage units supply an operating voltage of 800 volts. According to Daimler Buses, the company opted for LFP chemistry because it “performs very well in terms of calendar ageing,” which should result in a service life of up to 15 years. Furthermore, in contrast to other battery cell technologies, over 95 per cent of the installed capacity can be used with LFP technology, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer continues. “This allows for longer ranges with the same installed battery capacity.” With regard to the stated range of 500 kilometres, however, it should be noted that, according to those responsible, range depends on “on the driving style, topography and weather conditions.” In other words, it may vary as usual.
Customers can choose from four different positions for the charging sockets on the eIntouro: Front, rear, and right and left behind the front axle, with a maximum of two charging sockets possible per vehicle.
Two lengths to choose from
For motorisation, Daimler Buses combines familiar components. It uses the Cetrax central drive from ZF as the electric motor. The drive power is transferred to the RO 440 drive axle, which is built in-house, via a fully automatic three-speed gearbox integrated into the drive unit. According to Daimler Buses, the “configuration means that a high proportion of parts are shared with the conventional Intouro, thus enabling a high level of availability and cost-effectiveness in operation.”
The eIntouro will be available in two versions, with a length of 12.2 or 13.1 metres. Daimler Buses has yet to reveal whether there will also be a K and L version (10.7 and 14.9 metres) at a later date, as with the conventional Intouro. The two versions ready to launch will have 50 to 63 seats and, according to Daimler Buses, will offer just as much space as their diesel counterparts.
Optional toilet in the 13-metre bus
The future electric version is hardly distinguishable from the Intouro. Inside, the electric bus has a modular design to support different seating variants and equipment levels to cover a wide range of requirements, “from cost-oriented interurban bus to a comfortable version for excursions and short trips.”
It comes with a single-wing door at the front and a single or double-width entrance in the middle. The 13-metre version can also be equipped with a water closet in front of the rear entrance. A wheelchair lift on the right-hand side is also available as an option for both length variants.
According to Daimler Buses, the cockpit should be at ‘coach-standard’ in terms of comfort and workmanship. The instrumentation designed for the all-electric drive corresponds to the displays from the eCitaro. The manufacturer promises a comprehensive package of driving assistants, including Frontguard Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring system (TPM), and the Attention Assist system (AtAs). As an alternative to the reversing camera, companies can also choose a 360° camera system as standard.
Capable of over-the-air updates for the first time
Daimler Buses emphasises a new electronics architecture inherent in the eIntouro, which enables over-the-air updates for the first time. The updates are controlled via a digital tool called ‘Omniplus On Portal.’ “If an update is available, the fleet manager receives a message and can then release individual vehicles for the update. The desired time for the installation can also be selected in the portal,” explains the manufacturer. No internet connection is required during installation. What’s more, the update capability is not limited to necessary security updates; general software updates, retrofit functions and modified settings, such as for the door control, can also be installed this way.
“This reduces the number of workshop visits and improves vehicle availability,” says the manufacturer. Following its debut in the eIntouro, the technology will be used in all of the company’s future bus models. And: “With the Mercedes‑Benz eIntouro, Daimler Buses has become the first bus manufacturer in Europe to present a bus that is compatible with over-the-air updates.”
Order books open in the first quarter of 2025
Customers can order the new electric intercity bus from the Daimler portfolio at the beginning of 2025, with the company announcing the world premiere of the series vehicle for Busworld in Brussels in October 2025. The first customer deliveries are then planned from 2026. CEO Till Oberwörder emphasises that the vehicle, with its specific drive compared to electric city buses, is very well suited for longer distances and higher average speeds – for example, on country roads.
However, according to Oberwörder, the usability of the electric intercity bus depends not only on the bus technology but also on external charging options: “Like the eCitaro, our customers will predominantly charge the eIntouro in the evenings at the depot. However, you can also use the eIntouro for excursions and short trips – provided, however, that there are sufficient charging stations available at service areas, tourist attractions, sports facilities or amusement parks. The requirement for infrastructure will increase even further, it must be developed at a faster rate. This is our plea to policy makers and all those involved.”
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