GERMANY Its official premiere is yet to come, but the first major order has been placed for Mercedes-Benz Citaro Electrics with 20 having been bought by Hamburger Hochbahn AG – which from 2020 plans to procure emission-free buses only. The first two units will be handed over before the end of this year.
Till Oberwörder, Head of Daimler Buses, said: “The first major order for our fully electrically powered, emission-free Citaro has been received even before the official premiere, demonstrating the confidence transport operators have in our concept for electromobility in urban public transport.
“With the Citaro, we are bringing a major component on the way to locally emission-free bus traffic to market.”
Daimler said that it has been able to achieve maximum energy efficiency and range in the Citaro Electric as a result of the innovative thermal management system deployed.
An energy-saving heat pump is used to warm the passenger compartment, for example. Electric motors near the wheel hubs power the rear axle.
The modular battery system has a total capacity of up to 243kWh. The batteries are cooled to the ideal temperature for maximum charge, maximum usable capacity and a long service life.
Recharging normally takes place through a connector at bus depots, although after series production starts up further variants for intermediate charging en route will become available.
