Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (RNV) is due to start operating three Mercedes-Benz eCitaros in Mannheim and Heidelberg that were handed over to the operator on 7 January.
“The eCitaro is redefining conventionally driven bus transportation and is for us the symbol for future-orientated local public transport,” said Till Oberwörder, Head of Daimler Buses.
“A holistic approach is very important to us.
That is why we have put together a comprehensive package comprising the vehicle, charging management and consultation with which we are supporting the transport company in its endeavour to electrify its buses.”
Martin in der Beek, Technical Managing Director at RNV sees the electrification of bus transportation as a clear company goal:
“For us electromobility is the quintessence in modern, environmentally-friendly and sustainable drive system technology,” he said.
“Our city trains have been serving the local public transportation system electrically for more than 100 years. Now, we must do the same for buses.
The eCitaro will give our buses a completely new face and will literally provide for better air in the area serviced by RNV.”
Dr Peter Kurz, Mayor of Mannheim, and Professor Eckart Würzner, Mayor of Heidelberg, praised the far-sighted commitment of RNV.
“We are delighted that the eCitaro buses have arrived,” said Eckart.
“At the end of January the first electric bus service in the region – our historic city service – can go into operation. This is an important step towards emission-free local transport and a climate-smart city.
We hope that production of these buses will now really take off.”
RNV is a municipal transport company founded by the cities of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen and Mannheim and operates city trains, trams and buses in the three states of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hessen.
