• Racktours fleet now includes battery-electric Mercedes‑Benz buses for the first time
• Modern NMC 4 battery technology with up to 666 kWh capacity
• Comprehensive safety systems for drivers and passengers in daily route operations

Mannheim – Racktours GmbH & Co. KG, based in Erlensee near Hanau, has taken delivery today of three new all-electric Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro solo buses. The twelve-meter vehicles were handed over by Sinisa Ristic, Sales Mercedes‑Benz Buses at Daimler Buses, to Racktours Managing Director Benjamin Elsner, Operations Manager Robert Wiebel, Senior Owner Uwe Viel, and Christian Schädler, Head of Operations, Quality & Customer Management. This makes the long-established company one of the first privately operated bus companies in Hessen to deploy Mercedes‑Benz electric buses in scheduled service. Racktours chose the eCitaro for several reasons: in addition to the vehicles’ efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, the company’s management was also convinced by Daimler Buses’ extensive service network.

The new electric buses will be operating in the Main-Kinzig district on behalf of KVG Main-Kinzig mbH. Over the past five years, Racktours has acquired more than 21 new buses from Daimler Buses—primarily Mercedes‑Benz models. With this handover, the company is now receiving its first battery-electric vehicles.

Modern NMC 4 battery technology with up to 666 kWh capacity

All vehicles are equipped with the latest generation of NMC 4 high-voltage batteries. Two of the buses feature five battery packs, providing a total capacity of 555 kWh. The third vehicle is equipped with six battery packs, reaching a maximum capacity of 666 kWh.

Comprehensive safety systems for drivers and passengers

In addition, the vehicles offer an extensive range of safety and comfort features. These include the digital MirrorCam system, a rearview camera, full interior video monitoring, and advanced driver assistance systems such as Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and Attention Assist 2 with infrared camera. Each vehicle is also equipped with two charging sockets, located above the front flap on the right-hand side and above the right front axle. Visually, the new eCitaro buses feature a green exterior paint finish combined with blue seat upholstery.

About Racktours

Racktours’ history dates back to 1945. Founder Karl Rack began operations immediately after World War II with a roadworthy Mercedes‑Benz bus and, as early as October 1945, supported Deutsche Kraftpost in rebuilding scheduled transport services. In 2003, under the second generation, the company adopted its current name Racktours GmbH & Co. KG. Today, the company employs 114 people, including three apprentices training as professional drivers. The fleet currently consists of 45 city buses and five touring coaches.