Used electric buses from Winterthur
The BusStore site in Switzerland offers used Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses for the first time.
Even though the number of electric buses is on the rise, availability as a used vehicle is extremely scarce. For the first time in its ten-year history, the BusStore site in Winterthur, Switzerland, is offering two electrically powered eCitaro buses. For BusStore Manager Roger Bosshardt, although this presents a challenge, it is also an opportunity to reach new target groups.
First used Mercedes-Benz eCitaro
The supply of used buses is currently fairly modest – and the same is true here at BusStore's Swiss site in Winterthur. And yet it’s worth a visit, because there is something new in the range of used buses: for the first time in its ten-year history, the BusStore Centre in Winterthur is offering two used electric buses – a first-generation eCitaro solo bus and a two-year-old eCitaro articulated bus with LMP battery.
“A used eCitaro with a good battery status is the ideal vehicle for newcomers to electromobility.”
Roger Bosshardt, Manager at the BusStore Centre in Winterthur
A good battery status is crucial
A new challenge for BusStore Manager Roger Bosshardt: “My colleagues in new vehicle sales and service deal with eCitaro buses almost every day, but we have no experience with the sale of used electric buses in Switzerland yet.” In addition, battery technology is developing rapidly and customers familiar with diesel buses need to be informed about the range and durability of the batteries. Nevertheless, the 58-year-old commercial vehicle professional is confident that he will soon find buyers for the two electric vehicles. "These buses are former demonstration vehicles with relatively low mileage, and their batteries are in very good condition. Vehicles like these are ideal for companies that are new to electromobility", says Bosshardt. A mobile charger with a charging capacity of 70 kW, which can be connected to an existing 400-volt socket, is sufficient for charging.
Equipped for the future
As unusual and sensational as the two used eCitaro buses on offer at the Swiss BusStore site may be today, Roger Bosshardt is expecting many more used electric buses in the future. "It's only a matter of time before the growing number of electric buses from recent years also appear on the used bus market. That’s why we at the BusStore Centre in Winterthur have already familiarised ourselves with the new drive technology and are always keen to learn more about this and every new technology." Electric bus customers at the BusStore in Winterthur are guaranteed not only highly professional support and processing, but also qualified electric bus service. This is because the connected OMNIplus service workshop is one of around 100 certified OMNIplus eBus service centres with appropriate high-voltage workshop equipment as well as employees who are trained for work on high-voltage systems and even for work under voltage, in addition to repairs to batteries.
"It’s only a matter of time before more electric buses enter the used market. We at BusStore are prepared for this."
Roger Bosshardt, Manager at the BusStore Centre in Wintherthur
Used bus, financing and service from a single source
However, day-to-day business at the BusStore site in Switzerland still predominantly revolves around used diesel buses. Many vehicles change owner here in an average year – and these are predominantly, but not exclusively, buses from the Mercedes-Benz and Setra brands. More or less equal numbers of scheduled-service buses and touring coaches are sold. When buying or selling a used bus, customers from all over Switzerland benefit not only from the BusStore employees' high level of expertise, but also from their close connection to the OMNIplus service centre at the Winterthur site as well as financing and leasing solutions, which are not only available to new vehicle customers, but also to buyers of used buses at the BusStore Centre in Winterthur.
