Vehicle profile: Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell

• Three battery packs, fuel cell, and five hydrogen tanks
• Usual workplace, numerous assistance systems
• Attractively equipped passenger compartment

When it comes to e-mobility for local public transport, the Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro fuel cell is a must. At Busworld Europe 2025, Daimler Buses will be exhibiting the battery‑electric low‑floor bus with fuel cell to extend the range as a solo bus with two doors.

Three battery packs, fuel cell, and five hydrogen tanks 

The eCitaro fuel cell at the exhibition stand in Brussels has three battery packs with current‑generation lithium‑ion batteries (NMC3) and a battery capacity of 295 kWh. Charging takes place via a vehicle socket on the right above the front wheel. The maximum charging capacity is 150 kW. The on-board SmartCharge charging control ensures an optimized battery service life. 

For longer periods of use, a heavy-duty fuel cell serves as a power generator. The hydrogen supply of the fuel cell is provided by five H₂ cylinders, each with a capacity of five kilograms, installed on the vehicle roof. The hydrogen tanks are refueled on the right above the rear axle in the direction of travel. Thanks to the combination of high-performance batteries and fuel cell, the eCitaro fuel cell with NMC3 battery achieves a range of around 700 kilometers^[6] without recharging. 

Usual workplace, numerous assistance systems 

Drivers and passengers do not notice anything about the innovative drive system in everyday operations. The driver’s area is identical to that of the eCitaro. The only additional feature is a display for the percentage fill level of the hydrogen tanks. The equipment is exemplary, from the cab door with partition window to the half-width rear door and automatic air conditioning system to the air-conditioned seat. 

The same applies to the equipment with safety and assistance systems: The Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro fuel cell exhibition vehicle is equipped with a multitude of state‑of‑the‑art assistance systems. These include Preventive Brake Assist 2, Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Attention Assist, and the tire pressure monitoring system (TPM) developed especially for scheduled-service buses. The standard reversing camera and the optional 360° camera system complement the comprehensive warning system around the bus.

Attractively equipped passenger compartment

Passengers enter the city bus through two electrically operated inward swiveling doors. The interior is friendly and high-quality: Floor in wood look, grab bars and handrails in brushed stainless steel. The Mercedes‑Benz City Star Eco seats are upholstered in the robust Composition leather fiber material in deep black with cross stripes in cyan and ultramarine blue. 13 dual USB sockets supply power to passenger end devices.

Technical data: Mercedes-Benz eCitaro fuel cell