Daimler to unveil first series-production electric bus with fuel cell as range extender

Daimler Buses is to showcase the new Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell, the first series-production electric bus with a fuel cell as a range extender, at the upcoming Global Public Transport Summit in Barcelona.

The articulated Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell boasts a range of 350 kilometres with a high passenger capacity of 128 passengers. For comparison, a similar articulated bus as seen in operation in Sydney has capacity of around 110 passengers.

The new eCitaro fuel cell thus serves both as a demonstration of how electric buses can immediately replace city buses with combustion engines or help transport operators already operating existing battery electric buses operate their longer routes without having to recharge or put on additional buses.

Based on a battery-electric drive system with NMC 3 high-performance batteries, the eCitaro utilises a fuel cell with an output of 60kW to extend the battery-only range. With battery capacity hitting a maximum of 392kWh, the eCitaro fuel cell is also easily able to manage routes over longer distances and in mountainous terrain.

The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell bus has already passed a number of endurance and functional tests, with a focus on the new fuel cell and hydrogen system in particular.

The hydrogen tanks have been tested for fire, impact, and temperature resistance in accordance with the new UN ECE R 134 standard (Regulation No 134 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations).

The new components of the eCitaro fuel cell – including the fastening system on the roof and the new thermal management system – all passed the tests.

Running from June 4 to 7, the UITP Global Public Transport Summit is the world’s biggest event dedicated to sustainable mobility which brings together all transport modes, industry authorities and operators, as well as exhibitors.

In addition to the eCitaro fuel cell, Daimler Buses will also be exhibiting its greater service portfolio for electric bus operations.