Daimler Buses is advancing the development of its own public charging infrastructure.
Image: Daimler Truck
Daimler Buses plans to establish its third own public charging site for electric buses at Hamburg’s Central Bus Station, following those in Cologne and Munich. Initially, four fast-charging columns are planned, with the possibility of expanding to up to eight charging points. The lease agreement with ZOB Hamburg GmbH was signed with the approval of the city owner, and the construction application has been submitted.
The commissioning is scheduled for 2027. Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH, a subsidiary of Daimler Buses, will handle the implementation and operation. No separate investments or technical operations by ZOB Hamburg are planned. Daimler Buses Solutions will refinance the service through the sale of charging electricity.
The company’s own charging stations are intended to enhance the public charging infrastructure for the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro. The manufacturer’s first electric intercity bus has been available for ordering since spring 2025, with customer deliveries set to begin in the coming weeks. According to the manufacturer, this electric vehicle is suitable for routes between cities and rural areas, as well as for sightseeing trips and shorter journeys. For broader use of electric intercity and tour buses, further development of public charging infrastructure is necessary.
Charging stations with a capacity of up to 600 kW are planned at Hamburg’s ZOB, which bus companies from various brands can use. The operation is intended to rely solely on electricity from renewable sources. The plans include underground construction work, high-voltage power lines, a transformer, and the installation of the charging infrastructure. Daimler Buses adheres to the principle of “charging in the right place at the right time.”
Hamburg’s ZOB sees over 80,000 bus movements per year and is one of Germany’s largest long-distance bus hubs. Tourist and passenger buses stop there regularly as intermediate or final stations, allowing time for charging stops. In addition, facilities such as restrooms and dining options are already available for passengers.
"Public charging infrastructure for electric buses is a crucial catalyst for the electrification of commuter and touristic transportation," says Steffen Germ, CEO of Daimler Buses Solutions. "With our charging projects in Cologne, Munich, and Hamburg, we aim to give a significant push toward the use of electric buses on key routes across Germany. Buses can charge where they already make scheduled stops. This facilitates integration into existing operations and helps our customers use electric buses efficiently and cost-effectively."
Daimler Buses Solutions is evaluating additional public charging locations in highly frequented areas. The company works with partners during construction, and after installation, its own service team handles maintenance and operational support. Owners, operators, and long-term users of areas where buses stop regularly can report potential locations to Daimler Buses Solutions.
Daimler Buses claims to be the only bus manufacturer in Europe that builds its own public charging stations for electric buses. Through its subsidiary, the company plans to invest strategically in its infrastructure business in the coming years.
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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