Omniplus Supports the Next-Generation eCitaro with Digital Services and a Circular Battery Concept

• Digital services support economical and safe operation
• Vehicle updates over the air without workshop visits
• Omniplus On Over-the-Air Updates: activate new functions at any time
• Multimedia Cockpit Interactive: the connected cockpit
• Performance Analysis for eBuses: reduce consumption, increase safety
• Omniplus On Uptime pro: remote diagnostics for workshops
• Optimized charging processes thanks to Omniplus on Remote Control Functions
• Circular concept for high-voltage batteries
• Training programs for the new city bus generation at market launch

For the next-generation eCitaro, the Omniplus service brand is expanding its offering with digital services. Through the Omniplus On portal, one of the most comprehensive digital service environments for buses will also be available for the successor to the eCitaro. Fleet managers can access vehicle, diagnostic, and consumption data in real time.

In addition, Daimler Buses already considers potential solutions for subsequent lifecycle phases when developing new battery generations, alongside their use in the vehicle itself. In this way, Omniplus supports vehicles throughout their entire operating life, from daily service to the end of the battery lifecycle. 

Omniplus offers a comprehensive service ecosystem and, as a fully integrated service platform, combines traditional parts and service solutions, digitalization, electromobility and infrastructure.

Vehicle Updates Over the Air Without Workshop Visits

Over-the-air updates transmit software updates directly to the vehicle via the mobile communications network using the standard Bus Data Center communication module and install them without requiring a workshop visit. The update capability is not limited to continuous security updates. General software updates, modified settings, and the activation of optional retrofit functions can also be carried out in this way. The prerequisite is a modern electronic architecture with comprehensive communication capabilities, as implemented in the new vehicle generation.

New: Activate Additional Vehicle Functionalities Over the Air at Any Time

Through Omniplus On Over-the-Air Updates, selected software functions can be activated in the new city bus generation even after vehicle delivery, without hardware modifications and without a workshop visit. The activation is a one-time process valid for the entire vehicle lifetime and does not require ongoing subscriptions. This enables operators to adapt their fleets flexibly to changing operating requirements and even enhance vehicles with additional functions during a later “second life.” The prerequisite is the modern electronic architecture of the next-generation eCitaro, which enables continuous software updates, as well as an Omniplus On digital services contract.

Multimedia Cockpit Interactive: The Connected Cockpit

With Multimedia Cockpit Interactive, the new city bus generation receives a completely redesigned cockpit that has been conceived for the first time as an expandable software platform. It can be extended with new apps, functions, and services throughout the vehicle’s entire lifecycle. Via the Bus Data Center, Multimedia Cockpit Interactive remains permanently connected to the Daimler Buses backend, provided that an active Omniplus On digital services contract is in place. This allows up-to-date traffic information, map material, and cloud services to be delivered directly to the vehicle, while vehicle data is simultaneously available in real time via the portal. A second display provides the driver with access not only to heating and air-conditioning controls but also to applications such as the digital operating manual. Multimedia Cockpit Interactive itself is also continuously updated through over-the-air updates. Driver-specific language and display settings for rapid driver changes are supported, as is a depot function that allows depot personnel to reset all settings to predefined values.

Performance Analysis for eBuses: Reduce Consumption, Increase Safety

The new Performance Analysis for eBuses available in the Omniplus On portal provides a dedicated analysis tool for electric fleets. The service evaluates driving behavior and energy consumption in structured categories and provides operators with concrete recommendations for optimization measures. Driver evaluations are presented fairly and transparently, enabling transport operators to identify and promote individual improvement potential. The use of driver assistance systems can also be visualized, providing an additional contribution to the safety of passengers and other road users. Overall, Performance Analysis helps reduce the energy consumption of electric bus fleets, lower operating costs and improve fleet performance.

Omniplus On Uptime Pro: Remote Diagnostics for Workshops

Omniplus On Uptime Pro has been specifically developed for transport operators with their own workshops. The service expands the available data and analyses with detailed diagnostic information that helps workshops prepare optimally for upcoming tasks and combine repair and maintenance activities efficiently. Through the web-based Omniplus On portal, workshop personnel receive a complete remote diagnosis containing all active and stored fault codes as well as environmental data, without having to physically connect the bus to a diagnostic device. If predefined threshold values are exceeded or undercut, the system automatically generates a fault message and provides a recommendation on whether the vehicle can remain in service or should be brought into the workshop. A new feature allows transport operators to share this information directly with their service partners to enable rapid fault analysis and resolution.

Optimized Charging Processes Thanks to Omniplus on Remote Control Functions

With the digital, bidirectional Remote Control Functions service, Omniplus On enables operators of the next-generation eCitaro to prepare vehicles operationally before deployment. Buses can be charged and preconditioned to the exact minute with minimal effort, for example through heating, cooling, or ventilation. The service functions independently of the charging infrastructure in use and helps increase both the vehicle’s range and the battery’s service life. It is also possible to limit charging to a defined maximum state of charge to preserve battery health and to set a planned departure time.

Circular Concept for High-Voltage Batteries

Daimler Buses takes a holistic view of the entire lifecycle and economic efficiency of electric buses and their batteries. For this reason, Omniplus offers remanufactured genuine parts as a cost-effective alternative to new parts.

For new battery generations as well, Daimler Buses consistently pursues its sustainability strategy throughout the entire battery lifecycle. Already during development, the company considers not only the requirements of the battery’s first life in the vehicle but also potential approaches for subsequent lifecycle phases.Depending on technical feasibility, regulatory requirements, and market conditions, Daimler Buses aims to provide appropriate solutions for every stage of the battery lifecycle. These may include repair and reworking concepts to extend service life, as well as repurposing applications outside the vehicle, such as use in energy storage systems for grid peak-load balancing or as buffer storage in solar and wind farms.

At the end of the battery lifecycle, Daimler Buses intends to offer recycling solutions together with partners for recovering valuable raw materials. The goal is to maximize battery service life and consistently support the transition toward a circular value chain.

Omniplus Expands Its Training Program for the New City Bus Generation

For the market launch of the next-generation eCitaro, Omniplus will expand its training program. From Driver Trainings, which help bus drivers operate more safely, economically, and confidently, to Workshop Trainings, which ensure workshop personnel maintain up-to-date technical expertise and repair skills, all training content will be specifically adapted to the new vehicles and supplemented with vehicle-specific topics. This ensures that both drivers and workshop teams are optimally prepared for the new generation of electric city buses.