SZU Invests CHF 7.3 Million in Daimler Buses’ Electric Charging Infrastructure and eCitaro Fleet

Daimler Buses Switzerland AG and Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn SZU AG: Signing of contract for the planning and implementation of the e-bus charging infrastructure at the Rütihof bus depot in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich: from left: Mischa Nugent (Director, Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn SZU AG), Andrea Felix (Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn SZU AG), Dirk Schmelzer (CEO, Daimler Buses Switzerland AG), Boris Vajagic (Head of Sales, Daimler Buses Switzerland AG)

(IN BRIEF) Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn SZU AG has selected Daimler Buses Schweiz AG to provide a turnkey charging infrastructure for its Rütihof bus depot in Wädenswil, supporting the region’s shift to electric mobility. The project, valued at CHF 7.3 million, will see the installation of up to 43 CCS2 charging points with 150 kW DC rapid-charging capacity and a digital load management system to optimize energy use. SZU has also ordered 13 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses equipped with NMC4 batteries, with deliveries scheduled between late 2026 and early 2027. A 15-year service contract ensures reliable operation, underscoring SZU’s goal of running a fully battery-electric fleet by 2040.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN/ WINTERHUR/ WÄDENSWIL, 29-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Daimler Buses Schweiz AG has been awarded a major contract by Sihltal Zürich Uetliberg Bahn SZU AG (SZU) to design and implement the complete charging infrastructure for the Rütihof bus depot in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich. This project marks a key step in SZU’s transition to a fully electric bus fleet and underlines the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable mobility in the Zimmerberg region.

The Rütihof depot, SZU’s largest bus hub for its Zimmerberg routes, will undergo a significant transformation by the end of 2026. Daimler Buses will integrate multiple charging points within the existing depot buildings, enabling both overnight and daytime charging. The final phase of the project envisions 43 CCS2 charging stations, each capable of delivering up to 150 kW of DC rapid charging. The total investment for Daimler Buses’ scope of work is valued at approximately CHF 7.3 million (EUR 7.8 million).

This initiative is the fourth e-bus depot Daimler Buses has delivered as a turnkey contractor in Switzerland, following other large-scale projects featuring 10 to 28 charging points. The company is fully responsible for the planning, construction, and installation of the charging infrastructure. Its role includes architectural and engineering services, integration of chargers into the existing structures, and delivery of a digital load and charging management system provided by partner Sinos. This technology will manage energy consumption efficiently, ensure range readiness, and prevent load peaks or blackouts, even during simultaneous overnight charging.

In parallel, AHW Busbetriebe AG, operating on behalf of SZU, has placed an order for 13 new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro solo and articulated buses, all equipped with the latest NMC4 battery generation. Designed for maximum charging flexibility, the eCitaro vehicles will begin delivery in late 2026 and continue into early 2027.

By choosing Daimler Buses as its sole partner for charging infrastructure, SZU reinforces its strategy of innovation and environmental responsibility. A 15-year service and maintenance agreement has been signed to ensure high availability and operational reliability of the charging system. The move supports SZU’s long-term objective of transitioning its entire fleet to battery-electric buses by 2040, thereby achieving CO2-free operations across its scheduled services.

Media Contacts:

Nada Filipovic
Spokesperson Mercedes-Benz Buses
nada.filipovic​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 8614813

Peter Smodej
Head of Communications Product & Corporate Mercedes-Benz Trucks / Daimler Buses
peter.smodej​@daimlertruck.com
+49 176 30936446

SOURCE: Daimler Truck AG