On 14 April 2025, MAN Truck & Bus celebrated another major milestone as the MAN Lion’s City 12 E LE secured first place in the “Electric Buses 12m” category at the prestigious busplaner Innovation Award 2025. The award, organized by the German trade magazine busplaner, honors forward-looking solutions in the bus industry, with winners selected directly by readers from 66 nominated innovations across 13 categories.

The recognition underlines the strong market reception of the all-electric low-entry bus, which has proven itself as a true all-rounder. Designed for both urban and interurban routes, the Lion’s City 12 E LE combines sustainability with operational flexibility and passenger comfort — qualities increasingly valued by transport operators.

At the heart of the vehicle is a powerful central electric motor delivering a peak output of 240 kW. MAN’s modular battery concept allows operators to tailor the bus precisely to their operational needs. Depending on route length, charging infrastructure and passenger volume, customers can select between four and six battery packs, offering a maximum capacity of up to 480 kWh. This adaptability ensures optimized range and charging times for a wide variety of route profiles.

The bus is based on the proven 12-metre electric solo platform but features a specially adapted floor layout developed in response to customer feedback. With 41 passenger seats, a dedicated area for wheelchairs and baby carriages, and a low-entry design without an engine tower in the rear, the vehicle provides enhanced seating comfort and accessibility. Initially approved for Class 1 suburban operations, the model also marks MAN’s all-electric entry into the growing intercity segment. Class 2 approval for intercity use — meeting the stricter UN ECE R 66.02 body rigidity requirements — will soon follow.

The Lion’s City 12 E LE made its world premiere at Busworld Europe in autumn 2023. Just one year later, it received the “Sustainable Bus of the Year 2025” award in the intercity category, further cementing its reputation as a future-oriented solution for modern public transport.

With the busplaner Innovation Award 2025, the MAN Lion’s City 12 E LE continues its success story. The accolade confirms that MAN’s commitment to sustainability, innovative technology and practical, adaptable solutions is resonating strongly with operators and industry experts alike — both in city traffic and on regional routes.