Since 2020, bus company Egenberger Mobil has been using the eCitaro on an intercity route within the responsibility of Augsburger Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (AVV), the local public transport operator. We were there when the electric bus clocked up the 300,000 kilometres of its record-breaking trip on the trip counter.

The batteries were recharged again before bus driver Michael Schöneck unplugged the charging plug and the eCitaro started its journey on regional bus route 506 within Augsburger Verkehrs- und Tarifverbund (AVV) on this particular morning. The experienced bus driver standing with his electric bus at a charging station in Sortimo Innovation Park in Zusmarshausen, one of the largest and most modern charging facilities in Europe.

The futuristic-looking innovation park is located directly on the A8 motorway junction for Zusmarshausen west of Augsburg, i.e. on the south-west tangent between Stuttgart and Munich, and has a total of 76 largely covered and accessible charging stations as well as rest stops, shopping and parking facilities.

The charging infrastructure is also used by bus company Egenberger Mobil from Thierhaupten in Bavarian Swabia for its eCitaro, and for a short break the drivers like to visit the adjoining restaurant.

At Egenberger Mobil, early on the focus was on eMobility, and the conversion of the bus fleet to electric drives was initiated together with Daimler Buses. Two eCitaro buses have already been in operation since July 2020, both of which are equipped with first-generation NMC1 batteries and have been reliably on the road with their first battery pack since day one. Today is a special date for one of the two buses, as the eCitaro will have covered 300,000 kilometres on the clock during its operation on route 506.

Zusmarshausen is the starting point. The first passengers hop aboard, the driver knows some by their names, there is a friendly atmosphere, people know each other and passengers appreciate their driver, which quickly becomes apparent during the journey. Passengers boarding around this time are commuters, but also older passengers aiming to go to a doctor's appointment or head off shopping. As you learn from the conversations, they also appreciate the comfort of the modern electric bus. Egenberger Mobil's eCitaros are equipped with USB sockets on each double seat. Comfort is also ensured by the seating with high backrest and Softline upholstery, the headrests are made of leather, and three 29-inch monitors provide information about the journey. A special feature of Egenberger buses is the extendable ramp at the front entrance, which allows passengers with reduced mobility to enter the bus easily. This is also a feature that is greatly appreciated.

By this point, the rain had become heavier, but there was no need to worry, as the eCitaro is equipped with the most modern assistance and safety systems. “We have the maximum number of safety features on board that you can pack into the vehicle,” says Paul Kienberger as the eCitaro approaches Augsburg. After a short break, we turned around and headed back towards Zusmarshausen. The vehicle had not hit the 300,000 kilometres on the clock just yet, so this would happen somewhere on the return journey. Interrupted by the stops at the bus stops, the return journey along the route is smooth and feels as if you're almost floating. The driving experience you have as a passenger on board the eCitaro is a special experience, which Paul Kienberger also confirms: “Drivers and passengers can not only hear that the electric bus is somewhat different, but the eCitaro is also a tangible part of the mobility transformation.”

The time had come: en route, while the eCitaro was gliding through a gentle right-hand bend, the mileage counter jumped and the 300,000 kilometres were completed. Reliably and quietly, like the many kilometres previously, the electric bus covered the remaining distance of the regional bus route. The further away from Augsburg, the more space there was in the passenger compartment. Finally, we returned to the Innovation Park, where the vehicle headed to the charging station. The door opened and bus driver Michael Schöneck connected the eCitaro to the charging station. “Mission accomplished” - you want to call it. Paul Kienberger answers the final question on what really distinguishes the eCitaro: “The eCitaro has the same tried-and-tested components as the Citaro except for the drive type - so the drivers and passengers just need to become familiarised with the new drive type.”