Battery technology
eCitaro

Battery technology

Both solo bus and articulated bus feature the same drive system with identical output of 125 kW. Of modular structure like the drive system, the array of lithium-ion batteries is also of modular design. Two, four or six battery modules are mounted on the roof of a solo bus.

Whether your charging requirements are depot based or high-performance: the modern nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells used by Mercedes-Benz are equally suitable for both. Six, eight, ten or twelve battery clusters can currently be integrated, distributed over the roof and rear of the eCitaro.

With maximum battery capacity (total capacity of 396 kWh, NMC Level 2), the eCitaro achieves a range of up to 270 kilometres (168 miles).

With fewer battery clusters, passenger capacity increases – if a longer range is desired, it can be achieved through 300-kW intermediate charging via the pantograph if necessary. In future, it will also be possible to increase the range by charging via charging rails. With the next generation of NMC batteries (Level 2), the range will increase again. An optional battery update of the eCitaro is also possible.

The NMC3 battery is designed for all-electric long-distance applications for buses, touring coaches and trucks. It has a high nominal energy density of 176 Wh per kg. The nominal storage capacity per unit is 98 kWh (discharge rate 0.2 C). The battery system is mainly suitable for low performance charging (LPC). Under certain circumstances, however, it can also be used for high performance charging (HPC). 

NMC battery – The advantages:

  • Long, practical ranges.
  • Modular capacity.
  • High charging capacity.
  • High-performance charging possible via pantograph and charging rail.