Mercedes-Benz has just announced the first delivery of their eCitaro electric bus to Hamburger Hochbahn AG, a public transport company located in Hamburg, Germany.
The eCitaro, which debuted back in September, features a total battery capacity of 243 kWh that is used to power two electric motors. According to Daimler, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, the eCitaro electric bus will be able to carry approximately 88 passengers at once, and is capable of achieving an electric range of up to 250 km (about 155 miles) given ideal weather conditions. Given more typical conditions, however, Daimler expects that the average range of the eCitaro will be closer to 150 km (93 miles).
The eCitaro delivered to Hamburger Hochbahn AG earlier this week is the first of twenty Mercedes electric buses ordered by the public transport company to be received. According to Daimler, Hamburger Hochbahn AG “intends to purchase nothing but emission-free buses” starting 2020.
Till Oberwörder, Head of Daimler Buses (left), handed over the first Mercedes-Benz eCitaro to Henrik Falk (right), CEO of Hamburger Hochbahn AG
Till Oberwörder, Head of Daimler Buses, made the following statement in regards to the recent eCitaro delivery:
“Hamburger Hochbahn AG is one of the recognised pioneers for alternative drive systems in local public transport. In producing the new eCitaro, we have developed a well-thought-out and sophisticated urban bus concept which will make a decisive contribution towards promoting electromobility in towns and cities. We are delighted to be able to deliver the very first series production vehicle today.”
Daimler continued on by explaining:
“The Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro is the first fully-electric urban bus that has been developed and manufactured in Germany. Quiet and emission-free on the road, it is an important building block on the way to reducing emissions, particularly in cities and other built-up areas. It impresses with innovative technology, particularly with its unique thermo-management which is essential for electric buses. It reduces energy consumption and in turn increases range. For example, an energy-saving heat pump heats the interior and heat-radiating components are connected to one another.”
Daimler has shown a clear interest in the electric commercial transportation market over the years, and even went as far as to invest $155 million dollars in electric bus maker Proterra this past September. Earlier this month, Daimler predicted that the number of electric trucks they intend to put on the road will outnumber Tesla by 2020, showing just how serious they are about advancing in the commercial transportation industry.
Source: Daimler
