The Goal of Zero Emissions

What progress has your company made in electrification so far?

We are in the midst of the transformation that we, as a manufacturer, are actively driving forward together with our customers. We are building on both battery-electric and hydrogen-based technologies and have a clear e-roadmap. City buses are already well advanced in terms of electrification and are in daily use in many cities. In 2026, our first electrically powered inter-city bus will follow, which will also electrify connections between cities and rural areas – and electric coaches will follow by the end of the decade.

Where do you see the biggest challenge in the transformation of your industry?

For bus operators to be able to operate electrified fleets, a functioning and reliable charging and hydrogen tank infrastructure is required – across the board. Charging infrastructure is the pivotal point for the ramp-up of electromobility.

How are you approaching this challenge?

We are relying on an intensive dialog with policy makers, energy suppliers and our customers – only if all parties involved are fully committed to driving electrification forward will it work in the long term and across the board, i.e. beyond the highways. Moreover, our own strategic approach goes far beyond the vehicle itself. We not only offer our customers electrified buses, but also complete solutions for operating electric fleets. For this purpose, we established a new subsidiary, Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH, in 2023. On request, bus operators can obtain a complete e-system from a single source: From individually configured electric buses to complete charging infrastructure for the depot, including construction measures, electrical installations, chargers, battery storage and other digital services.