Mercedes Benz eCitaro fuel cell - Vehicle profile: Mercedes Benz eCitaro fuel cell featuring fuel cell

• Three battery packs, fuel cell and five hydrogen tanks
• Familiar driver's workplace, numerous assistance systems
• Well-equipped passenger compartment

At first glance it looks like the familiar, all-electric Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro. However, this is a very special model: Busworld Europe 2023 in Brussels is the first occasion at which Daimler Buses will be showcasing the eCitaro fuel cell as a solo vehicle featuring a fuel cell as a range extender.

Three battery packs, fuel cell and five hydrogen tanks

The premiering model features three packs of state-of-the-art NMC3 batteries with a total capacity of 294 kWh. This already enables the vehicle to cover many applications. The batteries are charged at the depot by a plug located above the front wheel arch on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

A heavy-duty fuel cell is used as a power generator for longer periods of use. It boasts a maximum output of 60 kW. However, in reality only around 20 kW to 30 kW of these are required. The necessary hydrogen is stored on the roof in five tanks carrying five kilogrammes each. Refuelling takes place on the right-hand side in the direction of travel, above the second axle. This increases the range of the eCitaro fuel cell to around 400 kilometres.

Familiar driver's workplace, numerous assistance systems

Drivers and passengers will be unaware of the innovative drive system in everyday operations. The driver's workplace is identical to that in the eCitaro. There is merely one more display for the fill level of the hydrogen tanks in percent. The vehicle's equipment is exemplary, ranging from a cab door with partition across half the rear door width and automatic air conditioning to the air-conditioned driver's seat.

The same applies to the comprehensive equipment with safety and assistance systems such as Preventive Brake Assist and Sideguard Assist or the speed limiter which can be set to 33 km/h and the TPM Tyre Pressure Monitoring system.

Well-equipped passenger compartment

Passengers enter the city bus through two inward-swinging doors. The vehicle interior is inviting and of a high quality: flooring in a wood finish, grab bars and handrails in brushed stainless steel. The Mercedes‑Benz City Star Eco seats are upholstered in a durable dark black Composition leather-fibre material featuring blue, horizontal stripes in cyan and ultramarine blue. 13 USB twin sockets supply power to passengers' end devices. For passengers with restricted mobility, the exhibition vehicle has been equipped with a manual folding ramp at door two.

Technical data: Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro fuel cell