Mercedes eIntouro: first electric intercity bus by Daimler

Daimler Buses presented its first electric high-floor intercity bus at the 2024 eMobility Days in Berlin: the Mercedes eIntouro. It is based on the diesel-powered Intouro but features the latest generation of LFP batteries and over-the-air updates and will be available to order from 2025.

After conquering the low-floor electric city bus market with the eCitaro, Daimler Buses is attempting the same with the new high-floor Mercedes eIntouro. A near-production prototype was first shown at the eMobility Days 2024 in Berlin, with the official sales launch scheduled for Busworld Europe 2025 next October.

It has the same chassis as a regular Intouro

The eIntouro shares many parts with the diesel-powered Intouro, which has been in production in its current form since 2020. Two lengths are available: 12.18 meters with 50 seats (eIntouro) and 13.09 meters with up to 63 seats (eIntouro M). The cabin is nearly identical to the diesel version but with a power meter instead of a rev counter.

LFP batteries from CATL, 500 km range

Under the hood, the Mercedes eIntouro is available with either one or two 207 kWh battery packs for a total capacity of 414 kWh. The batteries come from CATL and are the latest generation LFP packs. They run on 800 volts for quick charging (up to 300 kW through CCS2) and have a service life of up to 15 years.

Another advantage of LFP batteries is the ability to use up to 95 percent of the gross capacity, which allows the Mercedes eIntouro to have a total range of up to 500 km in “typical intercity bus operation.” Power comes from a centrally mounted 320 kW motor from ZF.

Over-the-air updates

In terms of technology, the Mercedes eIntouro has been updated with a new electronics architecture. This allows for over-the-air updates controlled via the digital Omniplus On Portal, where the fleet manager can schedule these updates per individual vehicle. Daimler gives the example of changing settings in the door control system or adding retrofit functions digitally.

The production version of the new Mercedes eIntouro will celebrate its world premiere next year at Busworld Europe in Brussels. The vehicle will be available to order in the first quarter of 2025, with deliveries starting from 2026.