Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell bus is a game-changer in the public transportation sector. It combines the benefits of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles to offer a sustainable, efficient, and comfortable solution for urban mobility.
What is the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Fuel Cell Bus?
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell bus is a fully electric low-floor bus with a fuel cell as a range extender. This means that the bus has a battery pack that powers the electric motors and a fuel cell that generates electricity from hydrogen to recharge the battery on the go. The fuel cell is not the main source of power but only a supplement to extend the range of the battery.
The eCitaro fuel cell bus is based on the eCitaro battery-electric bus, which was launched in 2018 and has been successfully operating in several European cities. The eCitaro fuel cell bus adds two roof-mounted modules that house the fuel cell system and seven hydrogen tanks. Each module has a capacity of 5.4 kg of hydrogen, which gives the bus a total hydrogen storage of 37.8 kg. The hydrogen is stored at a pressure of 350 bar.
The fuel cell system consists of two fuel cell stacks, each with an output of 85 kW. The fuel cell stacks convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water with no harmful emissions. The electricity is fed into the battery, which has a capacity of 33.6 kWh. The battery powers two electric motors, each with an output of 125 kW and 485 Nm of torque. The battery can also be recharged from the grid via a plug-in connector.
The eCitaro fuel cell bus has a range of up to 400 km (249 miles) without recharging, depending on the operating conditions and the configuration of the bus. The bus can carry up to 88 passengers in the solo version and up to 128 passengers in the articulated version. The bus has a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
What are the Advantages of the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Fuel Cell Bus?
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell bus offers several advantages over conventional diesel buses and other alternative propulsion systems. Some of the main benefits are:
- Zero-emission mobility: The eCitaro fuel cell bus emits only water and heat, making it a clean and environmentally friendly solution for urban transportation. The bus reduces air pollution, noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. According to Mercedes-Benz, the eCitaro fuel cell bus can save up to 80 tons of CO2 per year compared to a diesel bus.
- High efficiency and low operating costs: The eCitaro fuel cell bus has a high energy efficiency, as the fuel cell system converts hydrogen into electricity with minimal losses. The bus also has a regenerative braking system, which recovers kinetic energy and feeds it back into the battery. The bus has low operating costs, as hydrogen is cheaper than diesel and electricity, and the maintenance costs are lower than those of a diesel bus. Mercedes-Benz estimates that the eCitaro fuel cell bus can save up to 35% of the total cost of ownership compared to a diesel bus.
- Long range and flexibility: The eCitaro fuel cell bus has a long range of up to 400 km (249 miles) without recharging, which makes it suitable for almost all urban routes that were previously served by diesel buses. The bus does not need frequent or long charging stops, which increases its availability and productivity. The bus can also operate in different climatic conditions, as the fuel cell system is not affected by low temperatures or high altitudes. The bus can also adapt to different passenger demands, as it can be configured as a solo or an articulated bus.
- Comfort and safety: The eCitaro fuel cell bus offers high comfort and safety for the passengers and the driver. The bus has a spacious, ergonomic interior with large windows, LED lighting, air conditioning, and multimedia systems. The bus also has a low noise and vibration level, enhancing ride quality and reducing stress. The bus has state-of-the-art safety equipment, with several innovative assistance systems, such as the standard turning assistant Sideguard Assist, the Frontguard Assist, and the optional braking assistant Preventive Brake Assist.
How Does the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Fuel Cell Bus Compare to the Competition?
The eCitaro fuel cell bus is not the only hydrogen-powered bus on the market, but it is one of the most advanced and competitive ones. Some of the main competitors are:
- Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen: This is a 12-meter (39-foot) long bus with a fuel cell system and a battery pack. The bus has a range of up to 350 km (217 miles) and can carry up to 85 passengers. The bus has a top speed of 75 km/h (47 mph).
- Van Hool A330 FC: This is a 12-meter (39-foot) long bus with a fuel cell system and a supercapacitor. The bus has a range of up to 300 km (186 miles) and can carry up to 94 passengers. The bus has a top speed of 75 km/h (47 mph).
- Caetano H2.City Gold: This is a 10.7-meter (35-foot) long bus with a fuel cell system and a battery pack. The bus has a range of up to 400 km (249 miles) and can carry up to 70 passengers. The bus has a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph).
The eCitaro fuel cell bus has some advantages over these competitors, such as:
- Higher passenger capacity: The eCitaro fuel cell bus can carry up to 88 passengers in the solo version and up to 128 passengers in the articulated version, which is more than the other buses. This means that the eCitaro fuel cell bus can transport more people with fewer vehicles, reducing the operating costs and the environmental impact.
- Higher range: The eCitaro fuel cell bus has a range of up to 400 km (249 miles) without recharging, which is equal or higher than the other buses. This means that the eCitaro fuel cell bus can cover longer distances and more routes without needing to refuel, increasing its flexibility and reliability.
- Higher speed: The eCitaro fuel cell bus has a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), which is higher than some of the other buses. This means that the eCitaro fuel cell bus can travel faster and more efficiently, saving time and energy.
