DB Regio Bus, also known as ‘DB Regio Straße’, is the subsidiary of ‘DB Regio’ responsible for transporting passengers by bus. Of course, it mainly operates ‘full-size’ buses, i.e. twelve-metre-long coaches or articulated buses, but for a few years now there have also been ‘minibuses’ for routes with few passengers. These are vehicles that are significantly larger than a minibus (such as the corresponding legendary Volkswagen product or the Ford Transit). Minibuses can easily carry 20 passengers – which is a far cry from a ‘minibus’. As we shall see, one of the types now ordered by DB can even carry 55 passengers including standing room.
The city bus services of Bad Camberg and Kronberg im Taunus are examples of DB minibuses in regular service.
The Lithuanian manufacturer Atlas Auto supplies minibuses based on the Mercedes-Benz (Sprinter) and MAN (MAN TGE) van series, but also those from a development co-operation with the Chinese bus manufacturer Zhongtong. They are not only offered with conventional diesel motor, but also with battery-electric drive systems.
DB Regio Bus has now concluded a framework agreement with Atlas Auto, under which Atlas Auto will supply minibuses from four of its series by 2028. Three of these are fully electric, namely the ‘Novus Cityline LW’, ‘Novus City V 7’ and ‘Novus City N 8’ types. The bus of the fourth type is a one-off: it will be the only one to be delivered with a diesel engine. DB Regio Bus is not breaking new ground with the supplier Atlas Auto, as vehicles from this manufacturer have been part of the fleet for ten years.
The different models ordered by DB Regio:
Novus Cityline LW
The smallest of the ordered types is the ‘Novus Cityline LW’. It has a body that is wider than an original Mercedes Sprinter from the Düsseldorf plant. Atlas says it is particularly manoeuvrable and therefore ideal for narrow streets in old town centres. Its batteries with a capacity of 140 kWh give it a range of 300 kilometres.
Technical data:
- Length: 7,367 mm
- Width: 2,020 mm
- Height: 2,880 mm
- Wheelbase: 4,325 mm
- Electric motor: Elinta Motors (140 kW)
- Range: 300 km
- Battery cell chemistry: Nickel-manganese-cobalt
- Permissible total weight: 5,500 kg
Novus City V 7
The ‘Novus City V 7’ presents itself with somewhat more ‘grown-up’ body dimensions. However, it is not the result of a co-operation between Atlas and Mercedes-Benz, but was developed in collaboration with the Chinese bus manufacturer Zhongtong. Its use makes sense where more passengers need to be carried and the conditions on the route are more demanding. The engine and battery equipment differ significantly from that of the Novus Cityline LW.
Technical data:
- Length: 7,490 mm or 7,510 mm
- Width: 2,120 mm
- Height: 3,100 mm
- Wheelbase: 4,100 mm
- Passenger capacity: 35 passengers, including 18 seats, one wheelchair space
- Electric motor: Dana Tm 4 (200 kW)
- Range: 309 km
- Batteries from CATL
- Driver assistance systems: ABS, ASR, ESP, EBS
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 9,900 kg
Novus City N 8
The largest of the minibuses ordered will be the ‘Novus City N 8’. As we mentioned above, it can carry 55 passengers with standing passengers. This means it is no longer a minibus, but a proper midibus. Ideally suited for high transport capacity in peak traffic.
06.02.2025
