Although the funding framework for electric buses and the associated infrastructure has been significantly restricted at federal level, various German transport companies are continuing to prioritise the expansion to a greater extent – such as Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm (SWU). They will add 46 electric buses to their fleet by 2027, in addition to the 14 vehicles that have already been ordered and are currently being delivered.
From 2027 onwards, diesel buses will be replaced and additional vehicles will be purchased to implement the new local transport plan. This plan includes the introduction of new routes and an improvement in service frequencies. In future, more than half of the city bus fleet – a total of 60 out of 109 vehicles – will be completely emission-free. The 46 new electric buses should be fully operational by 2027.
The investment volume for the purchase of the new vehicles amounts to around 34.6 million euros. Due to the significantly higher costs for emission-free drives, SWU is reliant on subsidies. However, the funding conditions have recently become stricter, as the federal government’s electric bus subsidy is currently largely suspended. SWU is therefore expecting the support from the e-bus subsidy programmes of the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. In addition, considerable investment in the necessary charging infrastructure will be required. After deducting the subsidy, SWU’s own contribution is expected to amount to 10 million euros. Implementation will take place gradually in several expansion phases.
SWU had already presented its first electric buses at the beginning of July 2024: A total of 14 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses are on order, all of which will arrive in Ulm by the first quarter of 2025. These articulated electric buses initially operate on route 8, and on route 4 from the second half of 2025.
The new electric buses are equipped with innovative assistance and safety systems. These include the Sideguard Assist 2 turning assistant and Frontguard Assist, which ensure greater safety on the road. The equipment is complemented by a state-of-the-art CO₂ air conditioning system, which ensures both maximum comfort and energy-efficient air conditioning.
The electric buses will be charged during their trips along the route via pantograph at specially equipped stops, initially at the termini Universität Süd and Egertweg. Further charging points will follow at the Friedhof Wiblingen and ZOB stops in 2025. Intermediate charging is particularly important in order to overcome the challenges of the hilly routes in Ulm and to avoid the use of additional vehicles.
