Daimler Buses aims to extend its electric bus operations to long-distance travel, taking the initiative to establish its own charging network for e-buses. As part of this effort, four public charging stations will be erected at the Central Bus Station (ZOB) in Munich by the end of 2026. The company has finalized an agreement with Real-Asset and Investment Manager Wealthcap, representing the owner of Munich’s ZOB, as announced in a recent statement by Daimler Buses.
Daimler Buses Expands Public Charging Infrastructure
This development follows Daimler Buses’ announcement last October of its first public e-bus charging stations as part of a pilot project with the city of Cologne. The overarching goal is to set up additional charging points at frequently visited tourist locations across Europe. The implementation of this initiative is being handled by Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler Buses.
Steffen Germ, CEO of Daimler Buses Solutions, explained, “E-buses can charge at Munich’s ZOB precisely where they typically stop. The schedule remains unchanged, and charging time is seamlessly integrated into the regular standing time.” He added that this approach “significantly simplifies the deployment of fully electric buses in long-distance and intercity transport.”
By establishing its own charging stations, Daimler Buses intends to further enhance the public charging infrastructure for its inaugural electric intercity bus, the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro. This vehicle is suitable for connections between urban and rural areas, as well as for shorter trips – currently the most practical application scenario for e-buses outside of urban public transport.
Daimler Buses believes that the construction of the necessary public charging infrastructure is progressing too slowly. Their own charging stations are intended to provide a significant impetus. The Mercedes-Benz eIntouro has been available for order since spring 2025, with deliveries of the first customer vehicles slated to commence in the second half of 2026.
Fast Charging During Necessary Layover Times
The planned charging stations at Munich’s ZOB will offer a capacity of up to 600 kW, enabling very rapid charging. Bus companies will be able to charge their e-buses with green electricity, regardless of the brand. The essential layover times at the bus station – for passenger boarding and alighting, ticket inspection, or luggage handling – can simultaneously be utilized for recharging batteries. This eliminates the need for additional charging breaks or detours for bus operators.
A total of four charging stations are planned, with two expected to be operational by the end of 2026. Construction work in the second quarter of 2026 will involve civil engineering, laying high-voltage cables, installing the transformer, and setting the foundations for the charging stations.
Daimler Buses Solutions is collaborating closely with experienced companies on the construction measures. The subsidiary will self-finance both the charging stations and their operation, with refinancing achieved through electricity sales. Following commissioning, Daimler Buses Solutions will manage maintenance and technical operations with its dedicated service team. This allows property owners to benefit from a comprehensive charging infrastructure without personal investment or extensive effort.
Daimler Buses’ Electric Roadmap
Daimler Buses states it has a clear e-roadmap for the electrification of its vehicles across all segments. In line with the dual strategy of its parent company, Daimler Truck, Daimler Buses is focusing on both battery-electric and hydrogen-based technologies. The purely battery-electric city bus, the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro, has been in series production since 2018. Since 2023, the vehicle has also been offered with a hydrogen-based fuel cell as a range extender. From 2026, the battery-electric intercity bus, the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro, is set to follow.
Daimler Buses also plans to include battery-electric touring coaches in its portfolio by the end of the decade, with fuel cell touring coaches to follow in series production. By 2030, Daimler Buses aims to offer locally CO2-free models in every segment. The initial focus is on core markets, particularly in Europe.
Source: Daimler Buses – Press release from February 11, 2026
