Vehicle profile - The Mercedes Benz eCitaro G fuel cell exhibition vehicle: New “H2 mode” operating strategy (SSB customer vehicle)

• Four battery packs, six hydrogen cylinders, two drive axles
• Numerous assistance systems including 270° camera system
• Generous and attractive passenger compartment

The eCitaro G fuel cell equipped with a fuel cell as a range extender on display is a customer vehicle from Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB). An identical vehicle was used as a test and reference vehicle for the new “H2 mode” operating strategy as an enhancement of the eCitaro fuel cell.

Four battery packs, six hydrogen cylinders, two drive axles

The exhibition vehicle is equipped with four battery packs with a total capacity of 392 kWh and six H2 cylinders, each with a capacity of five kilograms, to supply the 60 kW fuel cell. The vehicle is driven by two low-floor portal axles with electric motors located near the wheels, each with an output of 250 kW. As a result, the eCitaro G fuel cell achieves a range of up to 500 kilometres^[1] in average conditions.

New “H2 mode” operating strategy

The vehicle on display is one of the first eCitaro fuel cells to feature the new “H2 mode” operating strategy. In this mode, the fuel cell, which is controlled intelligently, always feeds enough energy into the drive and batteries so that the batteries’ SOC (State of Charge) never drops below a defined level. Recharging with mains power at a charging station is no longer necessary. The new “H2 mode” operating strategy can be a suitable solution for customers who obtain hydrogen cheaply or prefer hydrogen as an energy source for other reasons.

A range of assistance systems

The exhibition vehicle has been equipped with numerous assistance systems to support drivers and protect against accidents. Highlights include the standard roll and pitch control, Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist for warning the driver about pedestrians and cyclists immediately in front of the vehicle and the activatable electronic 33 km/h speed limit. In addition, the exhibition bus has an acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) that alerts pedestrians to the almost silent eCitaro G fuel cell.

Generous and attractive passenger compartment

Three pneumatically operated, inward swivelling doors lead into the passenger area. The vehicle interior is air-conditioned fully automatically by the highly efficient Evo Thermatic Plus system. Passengers can choose from the 47 seats of the City Star Eco (CSE) seating produced at our own factory. Handrails and ceiling handrails in light blue and the designer interior ceiling with innovative lighting create emphasis. Passengers are provided with information on a 29‑inch TFT monitor. They can connect and operate end devices at a total of four twin USB sockets.

Drivers benefit from a heated and air-conditioned seat. They can rely on the familiar cockpit design. Instead of the usual rev counter, a powermeter in the instrument panel shows the energy flow of the eCitaro G fuel cell and a further display indicates the fill level of the hydrogen tanks in percent.

Vehicle profile

The Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro G fuel cell exhibition vehicle:
Technical data