Regionalbus Leipzig GmbH, the largest bus operator in the district of Leipzig, has taken an important step towards zero-emission mobility. Together with Daimler Buses, the company is implementing a comprehensive electric bus infrastructure, including a new depot, as well as procuring the first series of fully electric urban and regional buses.
The contract initially covers the construction of a new e-bus depot in Zwenkau, which will be equipped with ten charging points. The charging infrastructure is based on CCS2 standard connectors, allowing for both flexible use and future expansion. An intelligent charging management system will ensure that load peaks are avoided and that the power supply remains reliable even as the fleet grows. The depot will also be supplemented by a photovoltaic system on the roof surfaces and a stationary battery storage unit, so that a significant portion of the charging energy can be generated and stored from renewable sources.
In parallel, Daimler Buses will deliver nine fully electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro solo buses (12 meters long) by early 2027. The vehicles can accommodate around 76 passengers – including 31 seated and 45 standing – and feature barrier-free entry areas with folding ramps and spacious multifunctional zones for strollers or wheelchairs. They are also equipped with modern air conditioning systems, USB sockets, and the latest driver assistance and safety systems. This makes them suitable for the demands of regional services in the Leipzig area while also meeting passengers’ comfort expectations.
The agreement also includes an option for 18 additional eCitaro buses and 17 further charging points, which could be implemented by mid-2028. This project thus represents a strategic milestone towards the gradual electrification of the entire fleet, which currently consists of more than 160 vehicles operating on over 80 routes in urban and regional services, carrying around 7 million passengers annually.
The project is being financed with support from the German federal government and the state of Saxony: a total of €3.6 million in funding will go towards vehicle procurement and infrastructure development. This underlines the importance placed by public authorities on electrification even in predominantly rural areas, which face particular challenges due to longer routes and higher range requirements.
In the long term, Regionalbus Leipzig aims to convert its entire fleet to CO₂-free drives by the early 2040s. The Zwenkau project is seen as an important starting point for this transformation and as a model for other regions planning to electrify their bus operations.
27.09.2025
