Wolfsburger Verkehrs-GmbH (WVG) operates public transport in Wolfsburg, home of VW Volkswagen Group. WVG is now using battery-electric articulated buses of the MAN Lion’s City 18 E type for the first time. The ceremonial handover of the 12 new, locally emission-free articulated buses took place on the WVG premises in the presence of Wolfsburg’s mayor, Dennis Weilmann. The MAN eBuses are intended to further improve the environmental balance of local public transport in the Wolfsburg region. ‘With the introduction of electric articulated buses, we are sending a clear signal for sustainable mobility and improved air quality in Wolfsburg and making an important contribution to achieving CO2 targets,’ says Mayor Dennis Weilmann.
The Lion’s City 18 E buses have eight powerful NMC battery packs on the vehicle roof with an installed capacity of 640 kWh – sufficient for daily use on the Wolfsburg route network without intermediate charging. The batteries are therefore only recharged at the depot. Each vehicle can accommodate 120 passengers: 55 seated and 65 standing, as well as two special-use areas, for example for wheelchairs and prams.
The Lion’s City 18 E buses are equipped with rear-view cameras and tyre pressure monitoring for greater safety in operation. In addition, sensors warn bus drivers when other road users are in their blind spot. The radar-based turning aid assists with turning and lane changes and has proven to be even more reliable than camera-based systems. A collision warning system detects vehicles, obstacles, cyclists or pedestrians ahead and issues visual and acoustic warnings. The buses are equipped for the Alcolock system, which enables breath alcohol testing before the vehicle starts.
The WVG has received a subsidy from the state of Lower Saxony amounting to 40% of the investment costs for the procurement of battery-powered vehicles. From 2026 onwards, a further six buses are to be delivered to Wolfsburg each year.
Info & photos: MAN
