Daimler Buses Shows Its Electric Confidence at Busworld

Three Mercedes-Benz vehicles took centre stage on the Daimler Buses stand at Busworld Europe 2025: the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro electric coach, the eCitaro with the new NMC4 battery generation and the eCitaro fuel cell.

Daimler Buses

Together, they show just how far Daimler Buses has come in the shift to zero-emission operation. From the long-range potential of the eIntouro, to the next-generation battery chemistry inside the eCitaro and the quiet confidence of the hydrogen fuel-cell version, the message in Brussels was clear: electric propulsion now fits every use case. The details might differ, but the direction of travel isn’t up for debate. So, how do these three headline acts compare in practice? Let’s take a closer look.

eIntouro: going the distance

The headline act for Daimler Buses this year is undoubtedly the world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro - Daimler’s first fully electric intercity coach. Based on the familiar Intouro platform but reworked for battery propulsion, it is aimed at school contracts, rural routes and shorter long distance work.

It’s no half-measure either: with up to 414 kWh of usable capacity from two LFP battery packs, the eIntouro can cover up to 500 km between charges, depending on the route and weather. Available in 12.18 m and 13.09 m lengths, it offers up to 63 seats and a familiar, high-floor layout for schools, commuters and short-distance tour work. Power comes from a central motor producing 320 kW continuous (400 kW peak), while charging via CCS Type 2 reaches up to 400 kW.

In short, it’s designed for operators who want electric range without sacrificing practicality. Add in “over-the-air” software updates – a first for any European bus – and the eIntouro begins to look less like a prototype and more like a signpost to where regional transport is headed next. And if operators are curious, Daimler has invited them to take it for a spin themselves. Why just look when you can drive the future?

Key specs

Parameter	Value	Notes
Lengths	12.18 m, 13.09 m	Two axle layouts
Seating capacity	Up to 63 seats	Depends on interior layout
Battery capacity	Up to 414 kWh	LFP chemistry in two × 207 kWh packs
Drive	Continuous 320 kW peak 400 kW	Central motor, high torque
Claimed maximum range	Up to 500 km	Under ideal intercity conditions
Charging	Up to 400 kW	Depends on configuration and charger
GVW	19,500 kg	Front/rear axle loads vary by version
Software	Over-the-air updates	Reduces workshop downtime

Reality check: the “up to 500 km” headline is useful for comparisons but depends on load, route profile and heating or cooling use. Still, it makes intercity electric duty far more credible.

eCitaro with NMC4: city range gets serious

The eCitaro evolves rather than reinvents. The NMC4 battery generation increases energy density and claimed range, making single charge days more realistic for some urban duties.

Key specs

Parameter	Value	Notes
Battery capacity	~555 kWh	Five high-voltage packs
Claimed range	~600 km (solo bus)	Favourable test conditions
Charging	Up to 150 kW plug-in rapid up to 300 kW	Frequent rapid charging supported
Dimensions (solo)	~12,135 × 2,550 × 3,400 mm	Typical city bus footprint
Motors	Two motors ~140 kW each	Designed for city duty
Notable features	MirrorCam, 360° camera assistance suite	Focus on safety and visibility

That 600 km figure is optimistic. In stop start urban service with heating or cooling running it will be lower. Still, NMC4 is a practical step forward on energy density and life cycle.

eCitaro fuel cell: hydrogen as range extender

The eCitaro fuel cell combines batteries with a hydrogen fuel cell to act as a range extender. It is a pragmatic compromise when charging infrastructure is limited or routes need longer continuous range.

Key specs

Parameter	Value	Notes
Battery configuration	Three NMC3 packs (~295 kWh)	Supports electric drive and recuperation
Hydrogen tanks	Five roof-mounted tanks (~5 kg each)	Total hydrogen capacity ~25 kg
Claimed range	~700 km	Combined hydrogen and battery energy under test conditions
Fuel cell power	~60 kW	Acts as generator during long duty
Charging	Up to 150 kW	Battery top-up possible where chargers exist
Safety and assistance	Full suite including Preventive Brake Assist and Sideguard Assist	Same level as other eCitaro variants

Hydrogen gives substantial range gains but needs refuelling infrastructure. Still, for certain networks the fuel cell option looks sensible rather than speculative.

Services and lifecycle

Vehicles are only part of the story. Daimler was keen to emphasise services that matter to operators: battery refurbishment and replacement, OMNIplus Charge for infrastructure design and build, over-the-air software updates and fleet monitoring tools.

• Battery refurbishment and replacement programmes to extend life
• OMNIplus Charge for planning and building charging and hydrogen infrastructure
• Over-the-air updates to reduce workshop downtime
• OMNIplus ON for battery monitoring and speed geofencing

Buying the bus might be the easy bit. Making the system work day in day out is where service and lifecycle planning earns its keep.

Final thoughts

Daimler’s Busworld line-up did not attempt to reinvent public transport. Instead it offered pragmatic progress. The eIntouro takes electric power beyond city borders. The eCitaro NMC4 makes long urban days more plausible. The fuel cell version shows hydrogen can be a practical range extender rather than a manifesto item. Not every operator will get the headline ranges in daily service, but the vehicles and services shown at Busworld Europe 2025 make electrified and hydrogen options sensible choices for more networks than before. Who would have thought quiet buses would cause so much discussion?

Notes: All figures are manufacturer claims or press materials from Daimler Buses and relate to ideal or test conditions. Real world performance depends on route, climate, passenger load and operational practice.