Mercedes-Benz eIntouro Completes Summer Trials in Spain, Set for World Premiere at Busworld Europe 2025

The Mercedes-Benz eIntouro, Daimler Buses’ first fully electric intercity bus, has successfully completed five weeks of summer testing in Andalusia, Spain, ahead of its world premiere at Busworld Europe 2025 in Brussels (October 4–9). The rigorous trials demonstrated the vehicle’s thermal management, drivetrain efficiency, charging performance, and operational reliability in extreme summer conditions.

Tested in 45°C Heat and Mountain Climbs

The summer programme subjected the eIntouro to ambient temperatures of up to 45°C, with each prototype clocking 300–500 km daily. Engineers tested the performance of the electric drivetrain, energy management systems, battery thermal regulation, and air-conditioning units.

To validate efficiency, the buses tackled mountain routes in the Sierra Nevada up to 2,500 metres at full load. Descents tested the electric continuous braking system and regenerative energy recovery performance, a critical feature for intercity operations.

Charging and Long-Distance Validation

The prototypes also underwent fast-charging trials at public high-power charging stations, supporting up to 300 kW CCS Type 2 charging. Results showed that a full charge of two battery packs (414 kWh combined) can be completed in 90 minutes, while a single pack requires about 70 minutes.

In addition, two near-production models completed a nearly 4,000 km journey from Mannheim (Germany) to Granada (Spain) and back, using public quick-charging stations along European motorways. This demonstrated real-world long-distance compatibility and network integration.

Dual-Season Reliability: Arctic to Andalusia

Earlier this year, the eIntouro had undergone winter endurance trials in the Arctic Circle, where it operated in temperatures as low as -30°C. Combined with the summer trials, Daimler confirmed that the bus is ready for all-weather intercity deployment across Europe.

Features and Passenger Capacity

The eIntouro will be offered in two variants:

• 12.18 metres long, seating about 50 passengers
• 13.09 metres (eIntouro M), seating up to 63 passengers

Both versions are powered by an electric central drive producing 320 kW continuous output (approx. 429 hp) and 2000 Nm torque. With up to 500 km range on a single charge, the eIntouro sets a new benchmark for sustainable intercity travel.

Notably, it is the first European intercity bus to allow over-the-air (OTA) software updates, reducing downtime and service visits.

Industry Significance

“The extensive tests on batteries and the electric drivetrain under very high outside temperatures not only generated valuable insights for production optimisation but also confirmed that the eIntouro is fully operational even in extreme summer conditions,” Daimler Buses stated.

With orders already open, the eIntouro is positioned to be a game-changer in electric intercity transport, supporting the European Union’s broader green mobility and decarbonisation goals.