DVG rolls out seven eCitaro electric buses in Duisburg

Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft AG (DVG) put into operation seven Mercedes eCitaro G electric buses in the presence of Ina Brandes, the North Rhine-Westphalia Transport Minister, Ronald R.F. Lünser, Chairman of the Board of Management of Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) , Sören Link, Mayor of the City of Duisburg and DVG Board of Management members Marcus Wittig (Chair) and Andreas Gutschek (Technology).

With the locally zero-emission and silent articulated buses, the transport company will fully electrify its downtown route 934. Within the framework of the order, Daimler Buses as the general contractor will also supply the necessary infrastructure in addition to the articulated buses. 

333 electric buses have been delivered during 2021: the manufacturer placed third last year for e-bus registrations in Europe.

Around 53 million passengers travel on 101 buses and 57 trams managed by DVG every year. The route network covers 501.5 kilometers, on which DVG operates 43 bus routes with a length of almost 450 kilometers, three tram lines and one light rail line. It serves a total of 735 bus and tram stops. The bus fleet predominantly relies on the Mercedes-Benz Citaro.

DVG rolls out eCitaro electric buses in Duisburg

Ten high-performance high-voltage battery assemblies with a total capacity of 330 kWh ensure an adequate range. The rechargeable batteries are based on the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries (NMC2) with increased energy density. The buses can be charged either via a plug or a pantograph (extendable current collector) on the front section of the bus. Charging will take place at the DVG depot.

In order to make it easier for transport companies to switch to electric mobility, Daimler Buses can also supply the necessary infrastructure in addition to the buses as part of a turnkey solution. In Duisburg, as part of a prime contractorship, this includes seven stationary chargers with contact hoods in the depot as well as two pantograph charging stations outdoors as well as a mobile charger. The scope of services also includes planning, project development and construction of the necessary power supply infrastructure as well as the associated construction measures.

Omniplus eService maintenance contract for the eCitaro in Duisburg

Omniplus protects the electric articulated buses with an eService maintenance contract. Charging processes are monitored and controlled using software developed by partner company IVU Traffic Technologies, which has been implemented in joint coordination at DVG. In addition, the charging management system is also connected to the Daimler Buses data interface, with which real-time data from the operation of the electric buses is sent directly to the charging management system via the Daimler Buses Cloud.

A welcoming interior with a wood look floor is the first thing passengers see. Seat cushion and backrest of the Mercedes-Benz City Star Function seating are upholstered in fabric. Grab bars and handrails are highly visible thanks to their signal red paintwork. Yellow floor covering marks the entrance areas to the buses’ three doors.

DVG pays particular attention to passengers with restricted mobility. This is evident from the two special-purpose areas on the left and right for wheelchairs and strollers around door two. It even includes fastening straps for walking aids. Folding seats are designed to add passenger capacity in these areas. Two TFT screens provide information to the passengers.

The driver cockpit is also conveniently equipped with separate climate control, a seat with electric lumbar support and an electrically adjustable inside rearview mirror, among other things. A driver’s cab door with partition across the entire width of the door demonstrates safety. The equipment of the articulated buses with Preventive Brake Assist active braking assistant and the Sideguard Assist turning assistant as well as a reversing camera represents a completely different kind of safety. Six cameras monitor the interior.