Public transport is a vital service for millions of people around the world. It provides mobility, accessibility, and convenience for urban and rural residents alike. However, public transport also has a significant environmental impact, contributing to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise levels in cities.
Many public transport operators are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their energy efficiency to address these challenges. One of the most promising solutions is using electric buses, which can offer zero-emission, low-noise, and cost-effective transportation. However, electric buses also face some limitations, such as the need for frequent charging, the availability of charging infrastructure, and the range and performance of the batteries.
This is where the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell bus comes in. This innovative vehicle combines the benefits of electric buses with the advantages of fuel cell technology, which uses hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy source. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus is the world’s first series-production vehicle of its kind, and it has been delivered to Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv), a public transport operator in the Rhine-Neckar region of Germany. In this article, we will explore how the eCitaro G fuel cell bus works, what benefits it offers, and how rnv is using it to transform its fleet and service.
What is the eCitaro G fuel cell bus?
The eCitaro G fuel cell bus is a fully electric articulated bus that can carry up to 145 passengers. It has a length of 18.13 meters, a width of 2.55 meters, and a height of 3.4 meters. It weighs about 19.5 tons and has a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell bus is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, that deliver a total output of 300 kW. The electric motors are fed by two energy sources: a high-performance battery and a fuel cell system. The battery has a capacity of 33.4 kWh and is located on the roof of the bus. The fuel cell system consists of two modules, each with a power of 60 kW, and is also located on the roof of the bus. The fuel cell system converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and water and acts as a range extender for the battery. The hydrogen is stored in ten tanks, each with a capacity of 40 liters, and is also located on the bus’s roof. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus has a total hydrogen storage capacity of 30 kg.
The eCitaro G fuel cell bus has a range of up to 400 kilometers on one charge, depending on the operating conditions and the route profile. This is significantly higher than the range of conventional electric buses, which typically require charging every 100 to 200 kilometers. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus can be charged at the depot using a plug-in connector or a pressure nozzle at hydrogen filling stations. The charging time for the battery is about two hours, and the refueling time for the hydrogen tanks is about 15 minutes.
The eCitaro G fuel cell bus is equipped with various features and systems that enhance its safety, comfort, and efficiency. Some of these include:
- An intelligent thermal management system that optimizes the energy consumption and the temperature of the battery and the fuel cell system.
- A regenerative braking system that recovers kinetic energy and feeds it back to the battery.
- A predictive energy management system that adapts the driving strategy and the energy consumption to the route and the traffic conditions.
- A digital cockpit that displays relevant information and alerts to the driver.
- A multimedia system that provides entertainment and information to the passengers.
- A wheelchair ramp and a kneeling function facilitate the boarding and alighting of passengers with reduced mobility.
- A fire detection and suppression system that protects the battery and the fuel cell system from potential hazards.
What are the benefits of the eCitaro G fuel cell bus?
The eCitaro G fuel cell bus offers several benefits for the environment, the public transport operator, and the passengers. Some of these benefits are:
- Zero-emission: The eCitaro G fuel cell bus does not emit any harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter, that contribute to air pollution and climate change. The only by-product of the fuel cell system is water, which can be reused or discharged. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus can reduce the carbon footprint of public transport by up to 90% compared to diesel buses, depending on the hydrogen and the electricity source.
- Low-noise: The eCitaro G fuel cell bus operates with minimal noise, as the electric motors and the fuel cell system are very quiet. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus can reduce noise pollution and stress levels in urban areas, and improve the quality of life for the residents and the passengers.
- Cost-effective: The eCitaro G fuel cell bus has lower operating and maintenance costs than diesel buses, as it consumes less energy and requires less servicing. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus can also benefit from lower taxes and fees, as well as subsidies and incentives, that are available for zero-emission vehicles in some regions. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus can achieve a total cost of ownership that is comparable to or lower than diesel buses, depending on the usage and the infrastructure.
- Comfortable: The eCitaro G fuel cell bus offers a comfortable and pleasant ride for the passengers, as it has a spacious and ergonomic interior, a smooth and stable performance, and a low noise and vibration level. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus also provides a modern and attractive design, a high level of safety, and a user-friendly multimedia system.
How is rnv using the eCitaro G fuel cell bus?
rnv is one of Germany’s leading public transport operators, serving more than 600,000 passengers daily in the cities of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Heidelberg, as well as the surrounding areas. rnv has a fleet of about 400 buses, 200 trams, and 30 light rail vehicles and operates more than 80 lines with a total length of about 1,000 kilometers.
rnv has a vision of becoming a pioneer and a role model for sustainable public transport in the Rhine-Neckar region and beyond. rnv has set itself the goal of converting its entire vehicle fleet to locally emission-free drives by 2032. To achieve this goal, rnv has invested in electric buses since 2019, when it ordered 80 battery-electric eCitaro solo buses from Mercedes-Benz. The first 40 of these buses have been delivered and are in operation, while the remaining 40 are expected to be delivered by April 2022.
In October 2022, rnv placed another order for 48 eCitaro G fuel cell articulated buses from Mercedes-Benz, making it the first customer in the world to receive this innovative vehicle. The first three of these buses were delivered and handed over on November 23, 2023, in a ceremony attended by representatives from the state government, the city councils, and the media. The other 45 buses will be delivered successively by mid-2025. rnv also has an option for an additional 27 eCitaro G fuel cell buses, which could increase its total quota to 75 by 2027 if required.
rnv plans to use the eCitaro G fuel cell buses mainly on the lines with high demand and a long distance, such as the line 5 that connects Mannheim and Heidelberg. The eCitaro G fuel cell buses will replace the diesel buses that are currently used on these lines and will offer a more environmentally friendly, reliable, and comfortable service to the passengers. rnv expects to save about 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year by using the eCitaro G fuel cell buses.
rnv is also involved in two hydrogen projects that aim to support developing and deploying hydrogen mobility in the region. The first project is called H2Rhein-Neckar, and it is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. The project involves the construction of a hydrogen production plant in Mannheim, which will use renewable energy sources to produce green hydrogen. The plant will supply hydrogen to rnv and other partners, such as the local utility company MVV, the chemical company BASF, and the car manufacturer Daimler. The plant is expected to start operation in 2024 and will produce about 1,800 tons of hydrogen per year.
The second project is called H2Rivers, and it is funded by the European Union. The project involves developing and testing a hydrogen-powered push boat, which will transport goods along the Rhine river. The push boat will use the same fuel cell system as the eCitaro G fuel cell bus and can carry up to 16 barges with a total load of 2,000 tons. The push boat will also use the same hydrogen filling stations as the eCitaro G fuel cell bus and will demonstrate the feasibility and the benefits of hydrogen mobility for inland waterways. The push boat is expected to be ready for operation in 2025.
rnv is confident that the eCitaro G fuel cell bus and the hydrogen projects will help it achieve its sustainability goals and enhance its reputation as a pioneer and a role model for sustainable public transport in the Rhine-Neckar region and beyond. rnv believes that the eCitaro G fuel cell bus and the hydrogen projects will also create new opportunities and synergies for the local economy, industry, and society.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell bus is a groundbreaking vehicle that combines the benefits of electric buses with the advantages of fuel cell technology. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus offers zero-emission, low-noise, cost-effective transportation and a comfortable and pleasant ride for the passengers. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus has a range of up to 400 kilometers on one charge, significantly higher than conventional electric buses. The eCitaro G fuel cell bus can be charged at the depot or at hydrogen filling stations and uses hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy source. @via https://linktr.ee/electriccar.
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