Mercedes-Benz and safety – an inseparable pairing. Particularly when it comes to the fully electric eCitaro with its high-voltage technology.
Omnibus Magazine
E-mobility – safety first
An overview of the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro safety concept.
Safe and sound.
Where Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches are concerned, safety is not just a collection of isolated measures, but a comprehensive, integrated concept. For the eCitaro, this starts with ensuring conditions are right for the driver. The cockpit is almost identical to the Citaro and does not need any retraining. The seat, visibility, ergonomics and climate control are exemplary. An optional driver protection door keeps infections at bay. The safe, comfortable chassis, with its electrohydraulic, intelligent eco steering and tilt and roll control has earned the high respect of many.
The challenge of high-voltage technology.
One key safety focus includes high-voltage technology with impact-protected battery modules and well protected high-voltage cables. The eCitaro exceeds the ECE R100 Regulation for electric road vehicles, under which the battery housing must resist fire for 15 minutes. The batteries are inspected and certified according to the hazardous goods regulations. Thanks to tests of the cells, cell modules, battery package and battery groups in the vehicle, the whole system is very safe. In order for this to remain so throughout the vehicle’s life, OMNIplus offers training for transport companies’ employees.
Safety assistants on board.
The eCitaro’s active safety systems are unsurpassed. The solo bus is fitted as standard with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and its numerous sub-functions. The eCitaro G comes with the Articulation Turntable Controller (ATC). As options, Mercedes-Benz can deliver both with Sideguard Assist with person recognition and the Preventive Brake Assist, the first active braking assistant for city buses.
A new camera for all-round vision.
New on board: an optional 360° camera system in the solo bus and a 270° system in the articulated bus. In the solo bus, four cameras give an all-round view of the surroundings (360 degrees); in the articulated bus, three cameras look to left, right and the rear of the trailer section (270 degrees).
The camera system is active from ignition up to a speed of 35 km/h. The driver can view the bus from a bird’s-eye view on a ten-inch monitor with a split screen. A second image changes with the driving situation: depending on which indicator is turned on, or if the gearbox is in reverse, it switches to the corresponding side. Markings on the front and rear edge and a clearly indicated driving corridor make orientation easier. The images show the surroundings up to five or six metres away, meaning the neighbouring lane is definitely covered. The crew can also switch views manually.
A solid structure.
Despite all the precautions, accidents still happen. That’s why the eCitaro voluntarily complies with the UNECE-R 29 lorry regulation with regard to the survival space for the driver after a front-on collision, assessed by a pendulum impact test. Further standard collision protection is provided by a crash element in the front. Together with a reinforced frame, it specifically directs forces during a collision into the underbody. Passengers benefit from a rigid frame structure using an annular rib construction.
The sound of silence.
The eCitaro also protects other road users: as an option, alongside the assistant systems, it can be fitted with the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), a sound generator that creates an artificial acoustic effect at speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour. The system allows for better detection of the quiet eCitaro, thus protecting pedestrians and cyclists. This is also part of a comprehensive integral safety concept.
