MECHELEN, BELGIUM — The European transition toward zero-emission public transport reached a new milestone this week. Flemish transport provider De Lijn (Vlaamse Vervoermaatschappij) signed a massive framework agreement with Daimler Buses for the delivery of up to 500 electric buses.
This deal represents one of the largest single-operator commitments to the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro platform to date.
Immediate Action: 80 Units Already Ordered
The partnership isn’t just a future projection. De Lijn has already placed a firm order for the first 80 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro units. These vehicles are scheduled to enter service in early 2027.
Mirko Sgodda, Head of Marketing, Sales & Customer Services at Daimler Buses, noted that this order confirms market “trust in the electric bus bearing the star.” For industry analysts, the 2027 delivery window highlights the current lead times and planning cycles required for large-scale fleet conversions.
The Infrastructure Challenge: Powering 2,200 Buses
De Lijn’s strategy is aggressive. Since 2022, the company has ceased purchasing internal combustion engine (ICE) buses. By 2035, its entire fleet of 2,200 buses must operate with zero local emissions.
For the EV charging industry, this order signals a massive upcoming demand for:
- High-Power Depot Charging: Managing the simultaneous charging of hundreds of eCitaros requires sophisticated load management software.
- Grid Stability: Integrating this level of demand into the Flemish grid will necessitate close cooperation between transport operators and utilities.
- Interoperability: As De Lijn integrates Daimler’s hardware, standardized charging protocols (MCS and CCS) will be vital for operational flexibility.
Industrial Impact: Why the eCitaro?
The choice of the eCitaro underscores a preference for proven, modular battery technology. As cities move away from “pilot projects” toward “full-scale deployment,” reliability and total cost of ownership (TCO) become the primary drivers.
De Lijn, founded in 1991 and carrying over 400 million passengers annually, is effectively setting the blueprint for other mid-sized European regions.
Key Takeaways for EV Professionals
- Strategic Shift: Moving from “exclusive procurement” (since 2022) to “large-scale deployment” (2027-2035).
- Scale: 500 potential vehicles added to a fleet of 2,200.
- Timeline: A 10-year window to achieve 100% zero-emission status.
Industry FAQ: Fleet Electrification
What are the technical specs of the eCitaro for De Lijn? While specific battery configurations are tailored to route requirements, the eCitaro typically utilizes NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) or solid-state batteries, offering high energy density for long urban shifts.
How does this impact the Belgian EV charging market? A framework of 500 buses will require a corresponding rollout of depot-based charging infrastructure and potential opportunity charging (pantograph) stations across Flanders.
Why is the 2035 deadline significant? This aligns with broader EU targets for urban bus fleets to be zero-emission, positioning Belgium as an early adopter in the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) segment.
Source: Daimler Truck
