The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro KlimaWandelBus redefines what a city bus can do—not only in emissions reduction, but in public education. Launched in March 2025, this battery-electric bus now operates in the Teutoburg Forest/Egge Hills Nature Park, combining zero-emission transport with an interactive, mobile learning space focused on climate change awareness.
With its unique design, interactive modules, and regular service routes, this eCitaro serves as a moving classroom, delivering both people and knowledge.
Project Overview: A Bus With a Climate Mission
The KlimaWandelBus was developed by Naturpark Teutoburger Wald/Eggegebirge, in collaboration with:
- go.on Gesellschaft für Bus- und Schienenverkehr mbH
- Kommunale Verkehrsgesellschaft Lippe (KVG) mbH
The project has a clear dual purpose:
- Provide daily zero-emission transit service
- Function as a mobile climate education unit
This dual role gives the bus high utility across both operational and environmental goals.
Special Features: Designed to Educate While in Motion
This electric city bus stands out for more than just its drive system. Its interior and exterior design invite passengers to actively engage with climate change science and action.
Interior elements include:
- Two touchscreen info modules near the front for visual and audio content
- Real wood-covered seats for tactile, sustainable aesthetics
- Printed floor textures: forest ground under seats, grassy path in aisle
- Large wall panels featuring trees and nature imagery
- Ceiling design with printed blue skies
These features simulate a natural environment inside the bus, reinforcing its role as a climate-focused educational space.
Route and Public Engagement Strategy
The KlimaWandelBus operates on standard routes in the region. Additionally, it will appear at:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Local events and environmental fairs
- Community outreach programs within the nature park
Its flexible deployment model allows it to reach a wide cross-section of the public—from daily commuters to schoolchildren.
Climate Change Education Modules: Learning While Riding
In the front area of the bus, passengers can interact with touchscreen modules. These provide:
- Explanations of climate change mechanisms
- Data visualizations of local and global impacts
- Interactive menus for age-appropriate learning
- Sound and animation integration for accessibility
This makes it possible for riders to engage with climate science in real time—during daily transit or while waiting at stops.
