Mercedes‑Benz has delivered the first series production model of an urban bus with a fully electrical driving system to the public transport company, Hochbahn AG, in Hamburg. It’s part of an order for 20 eCitaro buses.
Till Oberwörder, Head of Daimler Buses, said: “The Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro is advancing electromobility.”
Oberwörder handed over the first Mercedes-Benz eCitaro to Henrik Falk, the Chairman of the Board, at Hamburger Hochbahn AG in the presence of Dr Peter Tschentscher, Mayor of Hamburg.
Oberwörder commented: “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.”
The largest single order for electric buses from a German transport provider
The eCitaro for Hamburger Hochbahn AG is the first of a large order for 20 eCitaro buses – the biggest ever single order for buses driven by a fully electric drive system from a German transport provider. Prior to this, the Hamburger Hochbahn AG looked at several different concepts for urban buses with electric drive systems over a number of years. Beginning in 2020, Hamburger Hochbahn AG intends to purchase nothing but emission-free buses. It operates around 1000 buses on 111 lines.
A customised urban bus for the local public transport of the future
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.
