Ljublana kupuje 35 nowych elektrycznych autobusów Mercedes – niektóre z ogniw paliwowych

The Slovenian capital Ljubljana is relying on a combination of battery and hydrogen technology for its public transport transformation. The municipal transport operator Ljubljanski Potniški Promet (LPP) has added 25 battery-electric eCitaro and ten eCitaro G Fuel Cell buses from Mercedes-Benz to its fleet within a year.

Image: Daimler Truck AG

The unspecified investment in the 35 new vehicles represents the largest fleet modernisation project in the history of Ljubljana’s public transport operator, LPP. LPP is now primarily deploying the battery-electric eCitaro models on urban routes with predictable schedules and regular charging opportunities. The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G Fuel Cell buses further complement the fleet on routes requiring greater range and operational flexibility.

While the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro in solo bus format can theoretically hold up to 666 kWh of energy, the eCitaro Fuel Cell features a smaller battery combined with a fuel cell as a range extender. In the articulated bus variant, up to 392 kWh of battery capacity is installed, with the fuel cell delivering 60 kW. The exact configurations in which LPP has ordered the buses are not disclosed, so the precise ranges cannot be specified.

What is clear, however, is that alongside the fleet renewal, LPP has built the necessary charging and hydrogen infrastructure and further developed operational processes for the use of the new drivetrain technologies. The project also supports Ljubljana’s participation in the European ‘100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities’ initiative, which aims to accompany cities on their path to climate neutrality.

“Over the past year, we have built a locally CO₂-free fleet based on both battery-electric and hydrogen technology. Together, they create the foundation for reliable and future-ready public transport,” said Dr. Rok Vihar, CEO of LPP.

“The transition to locally CO₂-free mobility today is far more than simply a vehicle issue. What matters is the interaction between vehicle technology, infrastructure, and operational expertise. LPP impressively demonstrates how these elements can work together successfully to create efficient and future-ready public transport,” added Rasto Oderlap, CEO of Autocommerce, the general distributor partner for Mercedes-Benz buses in Slovenia.