Field-testing of Mercedes-Benz’s new eCitaro G articulated bus with a fuel-cell as a range extender will commence in the city of Hamburg in 2021.
Two test vehicles will be delivered to public transport company Hamburger Hochbahn, which operates 1,000 city buses across 113 lines with 1,353 stops.
The announcement furthers the relationship between the two companies, which saw Mercedes-Benz deliver 20 all-electric eCitaros to Hamburger Hochbahn in 2018. The company has since ordered another 25 eCitaros for 2020.
Henrik Falk, chair of the board of Hamburger Hochbahn, said: “We anticipate a number of advantages to arise from the new development of the fuel-cell bus based on the purely electric vehicle, especially when it comes to covering greater ranges.
“The 2021 launch of this latest development in Hamburg highlights our pioneering role in operating emission-free buses. Now, it’s all about getting those vehicles on our roads as fast as possible.”
The current eCitaro model operating in Hamburg has a total battery capacity of up to 292kWh and range of around 170km (105 miles). With the fuel-cell as a range extender, the eCitaro G is anticipated to achieve a range of up to 400km (250 miles) depending on the vehicle configuration and equipment.
