Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell is a hybrid electric bus that uses hydrogen as a source of energy. It has been awarded the titles of “Bus of the Year” and “Ecological Bus of the Year” by leading industry magazines. This bus is not only environmentally friendly, but also comfortable, safe, and efficient. It is part of Daimler Buses’ vision to halve local CO2 emissions in Europe by 2030.
What makes the eCitaro fuel cell special?
The eCitaro fuel cell is a low-floor city bus that can carry up to 95 passengers. It has a range of up to 310 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. The hydrogen is stored in seven tanks on the roof of the bus, each holding about 10 pounds of gas. The hydrogen is converted into electricity by a fuel cell system that powers the electric motor. The only by-product of this process is water vapor.
The eCitaro fuel cell also has a lithium-ion battery that acts as an energy buffer and a brake energy recuperation system that reduces fuel consumption. The battery can be charged at the depot or at opportunity charging stations along the route. The bus has a modular design that allows for different configurations and capacities.
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell is not only green but also smart. It has a digital cockpit that displays all the relevant information for the driver, such as the fuel level, the battery status, and the driving mode. It also has a predictive thermal management system that optimizes the energy efficiency of the heating and cooling systems. The bus can also communicate with the traffic infrastructure and the fleet management system to improve the operational performance and the passenger experience.
How does the eCitaro fuel cell compare to other buses?
The eCitaro fuel cell is one of the most advanced and innovative buses in the market. It has won several awards and recognitions from experts and customers. Some of them are:
- “Bus of the Year 2024” by the International Bus & Coach Jury, a group of 22 journalists from 22 European countries. The jury praised the eCitaro fuel cell for its technological leadership, its high-quality standards, and its contribution to sustainable mobility.
- “Ecological Bus of the Year 2024” by the Busworld Awards, a prestigious competition held during the Busworld Europe exhibition in Brussels. The jury evaluated the eCitaro fuel cell based on its environmental impact, its energy efficiency, and its noise reduction.
- “Sustainable Bus Award 2024” in the urban category by the Sustainable Bus, a platform dedicated to promoting sustainable mobility in public transport. The jury highlighted the eCitaro fuel cell’s low emissions, its long range, and its flexible charging options.
- “Best Bus 2024” by the Busplaner, a German magazine for bus operators and decision-makers. The readers voted for the eCitaro fuel cell as the best bus in the electric bus category. The magazine also awarded the eCitaro fuel cell with the Innovation Prize 2024 for its fuel cell technology.
The eCitaro fuel cell is not only a winner but also a leader. It is the first bus in the world to use liquid-cooled hydrogen tanks, which allow for a higher storage capacity and a faster refueling time. It is also the first bus in Europe to comply with the ECE R134 standard, which regulates the safety requirements for hydrogen vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell is also a game-changer. It is part of Daimler Buses’ strategy to decarbonize the bus industry and to achieve climate neutrality by 2039. Daimler Buses is the largest bus manufacturer in the world, with a market share of 17%. It has a global presence and a diverse portfolio of brands, such as Mercedes-Benz, Setra, Orion, and Thomas Built Buses.
Daimler Buses has a clear vision for the future of bus mobility: “The bus is the best solution for urban mobility”. To realize this vision, Daimler Buses has set ambitious targets and initiatives, such as:
- Halving local CO2 emissions in Europe by 2030 by increasing the share of electric buses from 2% in 2020 to 70% in 2030.
- Offering a CO2-neutral fleet in Europe, Japan, and North America by 2039 by using renewable energy sources and carbon offsetting.
- Reducing the total cost of ownership for electric buses by 30% by 2025, by improving the battery technology, the charging infrastructure, and the service network.
- Enhancing the customer experience by providing digital solutions and customized services, such as connectivity, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and fleet optimization.
Why should you care about the eCitaro fuel cell?
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell is more than just a bus. It is a symbol of progress, innovation, and responsibility. It is a solution for the challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change, urbanization, and mobility. It is a benefit for the society, the environment, and the economy.
By choosing the eCitaro fuel cell, you are choosing to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution using hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy source.
- A hybrid electric system that recovers and stores energy saves fuel costs and increases operational efficiency.
- Improve passenger comfort and safety using a low-noise and low-vibration bus with a modern and spacious interior.
- Support the development of a hydrogen economy by creating a demand and a market for hydrogen vehicles and infrastructure.
The eCitaro fuel cell is not only the bus of the year but also the bus of the future. It is a milestone in the history of bus mobility and a stepping stone towards a greener and smarter world. It is a bus that you can be proud of.
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