School District Acquires Additional Electric Buses
The city of Ulm and Neu-Ulm are set to experience a significant shift in their public transportation landscape, with the recent order of 37 new electric buses from Daimler Buses. This investment, totalling €34.6 million, was made by SWU Transportation GmbH, a part of the municipal utilities.
The order, placed on July 18, 2025, includes 15 solo eCitaro buses and 22 articulated eCitaro G buses, all equipped with the latest NMC4 lithium batteries for high energy density. The buses are suitable for both depot and pantograph charging and will begin operations gradually throughout 2026.
The order comes with an option for nine additional electric buses in 2027, potentially bringing the total to 46 electric buses in the SWU fleet. This move will significantly advance the area's zero-emission transit goals, replacing many diesel buses and making public transportation more climate-friendly and sustainable.
Key features of the new buses include advanced roof-mounted camera systems for precise opportunity charging alignment, CO₂-based air conditioning systems, and enhanced accessibility through larger multipurpose areas. All vehicles will be integrated into Daimler Buses’ Omniplus On Digital Services Package, providing telemetry-based predictive maintenance coverage over a 12-year service contract, improving operational reliability.
The kick-off event for the electric bus project was supported by various high-ranking individuals, including mayors and CEOs. Among the guests were Ulm's Mayor Martin Ansbacher, Neu-Ulm's Mayor Katrin Albsteiger, Klaus Eder, CEO of Stadtwerke Ulm Neu-Ulm GmbH, and Ralf Gummersbach, CEO of SWU Transportation GmbH. Till Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses, was also in attendance.
This order represents a major step in SWU's commitment to electromobility, following the successful operation of 14 articulated eCitaro G buses since 2024. It aligns with broader European trends toward zero-emission public transport and is a significant stride towards a cleaner, more efficient, and accessible urban transit system in Ulm and Neu-Ulm.
[1] Daimler Buses Press Release, "SWU Transportation GmbH Orders 37 Electric eCitaro Buses", July 19, 2025. [2] Stadtwerke Ulm Neu-Ulm GmbH Press Release, "Ulm and Neu-Ulm Take a Leap Towards Sustainable Public Transportation", July 19, 2025. [3] SWU Transportation GmbH Press Release, "Expanding Our Electric Bus Fleet for a Greener Future", July 19, 2025.
- The investment in 37 new electric buses from Daimler Buses, a move towards a greener future, signifies SWU's increased focus on environmental-science and technology.
- The integration of advanced features such as CO₂-based air conditioning systems and roof-mounted camera systems in the new electric buses, further solidifies the correlation between science and technology, aiming to create a more sustainable public transportation landscape in Ulm and Neu-Ulm.
