eCitaro fuel cell

The endurance king.

More range under the belt: the new eCitaro fuel cell from Mercedes‑Benz.

Time to discover the electric bus with an extra-long breath: the new Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro fuel cell handles demanding long-distance routes without intermediate charging. More than 500 kilometres of uninterrupted range for the solo bus and for the articulated bus with high passenger capacity. This is made possible thanks to the combination of the latest-generation of batteries and a compact fuel cell. Resolute, practical, economical.

Highlights

Maximised range. Optimised efficiency.

Overview of benefits:

Efficient drive concept using fuel cell technology

Two energy sources increase the range: latest generation of high-performance batteries and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Ample passenger capacity

Drivers and passengers experience the same spacious interior, the same variety of equipment and the familiar comfort of the tried-and tested Citaro.

Innovative safety

Modern safety and assistance systems as standard, such as Preventive Brake Assist 2 and Sideguard Assist 2 on both sides.

Long range

Up to 600 kilometres on a single charge.

Economy

New drive for economic efficiency.

Combines efficiency and range: new eCitaro fuel cell.

Cost-efficient on a large scale as well as in detail: Mercedes‑Benz has fully geared the eCitaro fuel cell towards economy. From component selection to energy management, from how easy servicing and repairs are to digital monitoring of consumption. From the design of the hydrogen system to the number of passenger seats. For your benefit and the benefit of the environment. Discover the economic factor for long routes now.

eCitaro fuel cell – that's how to preserve resources. As the main energy source, it uses the comparatively inexpensive battery power, while it applies the more expensive hydrogen highly efficiently. With the intelligent operating strategy, the hydrogen consumption can be reduced to a minimum depending on daily use and range requirements. All this enables demanding routes without recharging at comparatively low costs and high passenger capacity. The new NMC3 battery generation increases performance as does the integrated thermal management, which uses the waste heat from the fuel cell for temperature control in the passenger compartment in winter and thus saves energy for the climate control system. Another advantage: while the batteries are being charged at the depot, the interior can already be preconditioned to the desired temperature remotely – using the telematics function. This means the energy for the necessary air conditioning at the start of the trip is not drawn from the battery.

Proven components contribute to the reliability of the eCitaro fuel cell. Chassis, body, passenger compartment and driver’s workplace – all largely identical to the Citaro and eCitaro, proven a thousand of times over. In the event of damage or repair, replacement parts are available quickly and cost-effectively. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz has consistently geared the eCitaro fuel cell towards making it easy to service – this ensures higher availability and lowers costs. All components installed on the roof are easily accessible via widely opening service flaps. Segmented roof edge trims can be removed. Proven and therefore reliable components are also used in hydrogen technology. For example, Toyota’s proven, second-generation heavy-duty fuel cell ensures very efficient operation. At the same time, the favourable weight distribution of hydrogen components and batteries allows a high number of passenger seats, up to 78 in the solo bus and up to 128 in the articulated bus – a key factor in the economic efficiency calculation.

The Eco Driver Feedback assistance system evaluates the driver’s personal driving style based on numerous parameters and provides the driver with individual feedback and suggestions. This means there is always a virtual co-driver to encourage an economical driving style.

Technology

Powered by two energy sources.

Powerful and long-lasting: new eCitaro fuel cell drive technology.

The technology in the new eCitaro fuel cell is the perfect solution for very long ranges. The Mercedes‑Benz city bus runs entirely on power from two energy sources. Its latest-generation high-performance batteries make it powerful electric bus indeed. And its hydrogen fuel cell safeguards the energy supply on the road – with no need for interim charging.

The NMC3 battery is designed for all-electric long-distance applications for buses, touring coaches and trucks. It has a high nominal energy density of 176 Wh per kg. The nominal storage capacity per unit is 98 kWh (discharge rate 0.2 C). The battery system is mainly suitable for low performance charging (LPC). Under certain circumstances, however, it can also be used for high performance charging (HPC).

The NMC4 battery: Longer service life, longer range. In series production from 2026.

NMC4 batteries are more robust, offering higher energy density and optimised performance, even when fast charging is used. Battery condition is continuously monitored to guarantee maximum safety. The batteries also have a uniform charging capacity of 300 kW when charging via pantograph and 150 kW when charging via CCS2 plug in the depot.

The new eCitaro fuel cell is a veritable miracle of endurance. On its long routes through the city, it uses the latest generation of high-performance batteries: NMC 3. Their high energy density pays off: NMC-3 batteries have around 50 percent more capacity than the previous generation at the same weight. A fuel cell is used in the eCitaro fuel cell to charge the batteries while the vehicle is in operation. The heavy-duty variant of the major assembly generates a maximum output of 60 kW. It runs highly efficiently in the eCitaro fuel cell, around 20 kW at its best point. This results in a comparatively low hydrogen consumption in relation to the power it generates. And this results in a significantly increased range for you to cover even demanding routes.

The modular system of the eCitaro fuel cell enables different battery and hydrogen tank combinations – and thus the right configuration for any requirement. The solo bus is available with five hydrogen tanks boasting a total H2 capacity of 25 kilogrammes as well as with three battery packs with a total energy content of 294 kWh. Mercedes‑Benz can equip the articulated bus with a choice of six or seven hydrogen tanks providing a total capacity of 30 or 35 kilogrammes, as well as three or four battery packs with a maximum energy content of 392 kWh. The hydrogen system is designed for a pressure of 350 bar. The fuel cell module in the solo bus is installed on the roof just behind the front axle. In the articulated bus it is installed at the front of the rear section's roof. The carbon fibre reinforced Type 4 hydrogen tanks, each with a capacity of five kilogrammes, are also installed on the roof. They are lightweight, highly durable and certified as per ECE R 134.

Safety

Safely through the entire city.

Safely does it: new eCitaro fuel cell from Mercedes‑Benz.

The new eCitaro fuel cell from Mercedes‑Benz impresses with its outstanding safety equipment. Innovative assistance and camera systems support the driver in critical traffic situations and thereby help to avoid accidents. The solid skeleton design offers all passengers reliable protection. In addition, there is a unique safety concept that covers all aspects of the high-voltage and fuel cell technology.

The modern MirrorCam system provides a clear and full view of the road traffic. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, the driving safety is improved and the risk of accidents is minimised. The extended field of vision enables the driver to see pedestrians, cyclists and other road users in the surrounding area. This eliminates the blind spot when turning right.

With Preventive Brake Assist 2, Daimler Buses offers the second generation of Active Brake Assist. The system warns of collisions with moving pedestrians and cyclists as well as stationary and moving objects. In the event of a serious risk of collision, the driver is alerted by a visual and acoustic warning and partial braking is initiated automatically.

Sideguard Assist 2 is a safety assistance system that supports the driver in critical situations when turning right or turning left when visibility is possibly restricted. The system is designed to help detect moving obstacles within the system limits, and warns the driver so as to avoid critical situations or reduce the consequences of accidents when turning off or changing lanes.

Unrivalled level of safety.

The safety of the eCitaro fuel cell does not consist of individual measures. Rather, they are based on Mercedes‑Benz's comprehensive and integral safety concept. To increase active safety, Mercedes‑Benz has equipped the eCitaro fuel cell with a wide range of safety features. Each eCitaro comes with innovative assistance systems that support driving personnel and reduce the risk of accidents. Mercedes‑Benz provides you with turning assistant Sideguard Assist 2 and Frontguard Assist as standard as well as the active braking assistant Preventive Brake Assist 2 on request. Optionally available camera technology ensures more visibility and safety in the eCitaro fuel cell: The 360° camera system in the solo bus and the 270° system in the articulated bus provide greater orientation when manoeuvring. And the new MirrorCam offers a significantly larger field of vision for the driver when looking out of the side windows compared with conventional exterior mirrors. In terms of passive safety all occupants benefit from a particularly resistant framework structure in annular frame design. For the driver, a crash element has been integrated into the front end as additional collision protection.

More on safety
Design & Comfort

Consistent further evolution.

Our contribution to urban improvement: the Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro fuel cell impresses with its equally attractive and forward-looking design.

Discover the eCitaro fuel cell – the new Mercedes‑Benz city bus with innovative fuel cell technology. The designers of this forward-looking electric bus have leveraged the very best features of the Citaro to create a vehicle that combines maximum passenger comfort with a flexible interior design, all while embracing the next generation of sustainable mobility. Welcome to the cockpit of the eCitaro fuel cell – the city bus for the requirements of tomorrow!

Design

Design with a unique character.

Give your electric bus fleet a modern look. The eCitaro fuel cell from Mercedes‑Benz combines the classic look of a city bus with the futuristic design idiom of future bus generations. Its striking face with the many strong character details conveys technological leadership and progress. And the dynamic, expressive design makes the eCitaro fuel cell a true style icon for your fleet.

Comfort for the driver

You won't miss anything – except for the adjustment period.

The new eCitaro fuel cell offers an impressive array of positive features. Would you like some examples? It is ergonomic, as the multifunction steering wheel puts the driver in control of everything. What’s more, the individually adjustable driver’s seat and the sensitive climate control offer ideal working conditions. It is also practical, as all stowage facilities are within easy reach. And clearly arranged, because with the optional 360° camera system in the solobus or the 270° camera system in the articulated bus, your driver not only has a comprehensive overview of the traffic situation, but also of the hydrogen consumption thanks to the percentage fill level display in the instrument panel. The eCitaro fuel cell is also safe, as assistance systems such as Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist and the optional Preventive Brake Assist 2 provide support in critical traffic situations and help to prevent accidents. It's also helpful, because Traffic Sign Assist warns you when you are exceeding the maximum speed. But above all, drivers are familiar with it, because the cockpit layout can be found in the other Citaro models. Whatever feature you are most impressed with – more are guaranteed to be added every time you drive the new eCitaro fuel cell.

Comfort for the passengers

Tailor-made comfort.

In the new eCitaro fuel cell, your passengers enjoy high-level comfort on a low-floor bus. The low entry points also grant easy access for people with restricted mobility. Getting in and out of the bus is safe and comfortable, even with a pram or buggy. Different door variants optimise passenger flow. A tailor-made city bus awaits your customers in the interior. Determine the optimum seating arrangement and integrate special-purpose areas if necessary. You can choose from a wide range of seats, upholstery designs and covers for individual seating comfort. The fun continues once you hit the road in the eCitaro fuel cell. Generously proportioned window panes make the trip through the city a veritable sightseeing tour. And the comfortable suspension also helps make the time fly by for your passengers. In addition, all occupants benefit from the high-performance climate control system. It efficiently utilises the waste heat from the fuel cell to boost the temperature in the vehicle interior on cold days, to name just one feature.

The City Star Eco (CSE) seating is a benchmark in terms of design, function and weight. Based on the Inter Star Eco (ISE) intercity seating, it particularly impresses with its dynamic Mercedes-Benz design.

The city bus seating from Mercedes-Benz is a suspended seat arrangement with cantilever mounting in continuous rails. The seat pitch is adjustable.

The hard-wearing InterStarEco seating provides relaxed sitting, whether on scheduled routes, excursions or short trips.

Variants

Sustainable local transport with the Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro G and eCitaro fuel cell.

Experience the future of urban transport with the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell articulated bus and eCitaro fuel cell solo bus. These battery-electric buses with fuel cell technology offer high passenger capacity and efficient, locally emission-free transport – perfect for busy routes and high usage frequencies in urban traffic.

eCitaro fuel cell 2 doors

eCitaro fuel cell 3 doors

eCitaro G fuel cell 3 doors

eCitaro G fuel cell 4 doors

Maximised range. Optimised efficiency.

Stays out on the route for longer: the eCitaro fuel cell solo bus.

The eCitaro fuel cell from Mercedes‑Benz is the enduring all-rounder among battery-electric scheduled-service buses. Thanks to the latest generation of highly efficient lithium-ion batteries and advanced fuel cell technology, it covers routes of around 600 kilometres – without having to recharge. And with a passenger capacity of up to 88 passengers, it is the ideal size for local emission-free regular service in cities.

Efficiently on the road with high capacity.

Range maximised with maximum passenger capacity.

The Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro G fuel cell is the ideal solution for very busy routes. The battery-electric articulated bus with fuel cell transports up to 128 passengers emissions-free on local routes through the city – and runs around 500 kilometres without recharging. How does it do it? With modern high-performance batteries and a highly efficient fuel cell to extend its range.

OMNIplus Service

Discover our Premium Service for your Mercedes-Benz.

With bus-specific provision, individual solutions and an extensive range, OMNIplus ensures your vehicles are always ready for deployment and your company remains operational.

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Technical data

Technical data and equipment at a glance.

The eCitaro fuel cell displays compelling design, technology and practicability. Well-proven and familiar features of the conventional Citaro are including in the concept, as are some spectacular innovations.

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Contact

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Do you have any questions or need more information? We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us for further details.

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Discover more models

CapaCity & CapaCity L

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The range was determined internally under specific conditions, including equipment with maximum battery capacity, battery in delivery condition, in typical city bus operation and moderate weather scenario, and may deviate from the values determined in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/2400, for example. The actual range depends on the individual use of the vehicle, the vehicle configuration and other external factors. Therefore, the actual range may be below or above the specified value.

Legal notice on active safety assistance systems: Emergency braking systems and other safety assistance systems can support the driver and mitigate the severity of accidents or prevent accidents in critical driving situations under optimal conditions, within the system limits. However, irrespective of this, the driver has a duty to adapt his driving behaviour and in particular his speed to the traffic and weather conditions and to be attentive at all times. This applies in particular to special situations such as icy or wet roads, rain, crosswind, poor visibility, snowfall, fog, etc. Consequently, the driver, as the driver of the vehicle, has the responsibility for the entire driving situation at all times and must not rely exclusively on the safety assistance systems.

Assistance systems can only support drivers. The driver is always fully responsible for driving the vehicle safely.

Safety

Unrivalled level of safety.

The safety of the eCitaro fuel cell does not consist of individual measures. Rather, they are based on Mercedes‑Benz's comprehensive and integral safety concept. To increase active safety, Mercedes‑Benz has equipped the eCitaro fuel cell with a wide range of safety features. Each eCitaro comes with innovative assistance systems that support driving personnel and reduce the risk of accidents. Mercedes‑Benz provides you with turning assistant Sideguard Assist 2 and Frontguard Assist as standard as well as the active braking assistant Preventive Brake Assist 2 on request. Optionally available camera technology ensures more visibility and safety in the eCitaro fuel cell: The 360° camera system in the solo bus and the 270° system in the articulated bus provide greater orientation when manoeuvring. And the new MirrorCam offers a significantly larger field of vision for the driver when looking out of the side windows compared with conventional exterior mirrors. In terms of passive safety all occupants benefit from a particularly resistant framework structure in annular frame design. For the driver, a crash element has been integrated into the front end as additional collision protection.

Sideguard Assist 2 & Frontguard Assist

Support in turning situations

Sideguard Assist 2 is a safety assistance system that supports the driver in critical situations when turning right or turning left when visibility is possibly restricted. The system is designed to help detect moving obstacles within the system limits, and warns the driver so as to avoid critical situations or reduce the consequences of accidents when turning off or changing lanes.

Blind spot

The side areas of the vehicle are constantly monitored. As a result, vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists who may be in the blind spot are detected on both the front passenger side and the driver’s side. The radar system precisely detects the movements and warns the driver of possible collisions.

Collision warning

Whether you are pulling away or driving slowly (up to 15 km/h), the intelligent assistance system can detect potential collisions with unprotected road users.

Lane change

At speeds above 40 km/h, Sideguard Assist 2 takes over the function of Lane Change Assist.

Traffic Sign Assist (TSA)

The innovative Traffic Sign Assist offers maximum safety and comfort on the road. Thanks to GPS and camera support, the vehicle speed is constantly compared with the current traffic regulations.

The system is designed to provide dedicated and appropriate feedback if the permitted speed is exceeded. Thanks to the state-of-the-art instrument cluster, the driver receives both visual and audible signals that immediately draw attention to the speed.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM)

The wireless tyre pressure monitoring with indication in the multifunctional display is an electronic safety system that permanently monitors the air pressure of all tyres. Tyre pressure losses are displayed within the system limits.

The right tyre pressure contributes to driving safety and significantly reduced fuel consumption. Even a tyre pressure set 0.5 bar too low can increase fuel consumption by up to 5%. The wheel electronics are positioned on the valve on the inside of the rim. The sensors record the data relevant to the tyre pressure and transmit it to the display instrument.

360° camera

The 360° camera system consists of four cameras that capture the immediate vehicle environment and generate an indirect all-round view. The associated 10" screen is located on the A-pillar above the cockpit. This system allows pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles to be seen even in areas that are otherwise not visible to the driver. In this way, the system increases road safety, as collision hazards can be detected and, at best, prevented.

270° camera

The 270° camera system consists of three cameras that capture the rear part of the vehicle and create an indirect view. This is displayed on a 10" screen, which can be located in different positions in the cockpit depending on the vehicle. Thanks to this system, pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles can also be seen in areas that are difficult for the driver to see. This way the system increases road safety as a possible collision can be detected and, at best, prevented.

Legal notice on active safety assistance systems: Emergency braking systems and other safety assistance systems can support the driver and mitigate the severity of accidents or prevent accidents in critical driving situations under optimal conditions, within the system limits. However, irrespective of this, the driver has a duty to adapt his driving behaviour and in particular his speed to the traffic and weather conditions and to be attentive at all times. This applies in particular to special situations such as icy or wet roads, rain, crosswind, poor visibility, snowfall, fog, etc. Consequently, the driver, as the driver of the vehicle, has the responsibility for the entire driving situation at all times and must not rely exclusively on the safety assistance systems.

Assistance systems can only support drivers. The driver is always fully responsible for driving the vehicle safely.