The new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K: compact e-mobility

• Versatile specialist for scheduled-service buses with low passenger volumes
• Five battery packs for adequate range
• Unsurpassed assistance and safety systems, with 360° camera system
• Attractively designed passenger compartment

Daimler Buses is expanding the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro model range and, with the 10.63-metre-long Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K, is now offering a short version of the popular, all-electric low-floor bus in addition to the 12.14-metre-long eCitaro and the 18.13-metre-long eCitaro G. With a turning circle of only 17.28 metres, the new eCitaro K feels at home on narrow, winding routes in suburbs and older towns. Its specialties include operating with a limited number of passengers. But the compact eCitaro K also demonstrates its advantages on Sundays, at off-peak hours or as a booster during peak hours. With its transport capacity of up to 84 passengers, however, it is also equipped for larger transport tasks.

Despite its compact size, the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K is a fully-fledged public service bus with all the qualities of its larger siblings. With a wheelbase of 4,398 millimetres (shorter than the eCitaro by around 1.5 metres), the eCitaro K offers outstanding manoeuvrability.

Five battery packs for adequate range

On the other hand, its operating radius remains large – thanks to the latest highly efficient generations of NMC batteries and thermal management. Five high-voltage battery packs with a total energy capacity of 491 kWh, spread across the roof (three packs) and the rear (two packs), ensure an appropriate range for the two-door solo bus. The vehicle has been designed for plug-in charging in the depot and can be flexibly configured at different positions with charging sockets above the front axle on the right and in the rear on the left.

Unsurpassed assistance and safety systems, with 360° camera system

Safety is always a top priority in Mercedes-Benz buses, which is why the premiere model has been equipped with the new 360° camera system. It provides crucial assistance to drivers when precise manoeuvring is required, such as at the depot or along narrow sections of a route, as well as when cars are parked in a bus lane. The Preventive Brake Assist 2 active braking assistant is practically worth taking for granted, since Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPM, Traffic Sign Assist and Attention Assist are standard in all buses from Daimler Buses. Safety and support for the driver also include the optionally engageable speed limit to 33 km/h and the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System.  A driver’s cab door with a partition across the entire door width creates distance, while an active filter with antiviral function ensures healthy air on board.

Attractively designed passenger compartment

Passengers select their seats on the City Star Eco from comfortable seating produced at our own factory. The seat and backrest are upholstered in a cheerful black and yellow fabric. Yellow ceiling handrails and wood-effect flooring create a fresh and homely feeling in the low-floor city bus. The special-purpose area opposite the central entrance offers space for a wheelchair or pushchair, while the rearward-facing support surface has a fold-up seat. As an alternative to the standing area, the vehicle can also be equipped with two further folding seats facing in the direction of travel. Passengers can charge their devices at 14 double USB sockets.

All these features are framed by anthracite metallic paintwork (including on detachable parts). The result is the highly attractive overall appearance of the versatile Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K.

Mercedes-Benz eCitaro K: Technical data