The right length for every requirement in urban scheduled-service operations: In addition to the 12.14 metre-long eCitaro and the 18.13 metre eCitaro G, a short version, the 10.63 metre Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro K, will also be available as a fully electric low-floor bus from the end of 2024.
Omnibus Magazine
eCitaro K: Incredibly versatile – 10.63 meters long.
Manoeuvrable, economical and flexible – in short: efficient.
eCitaro K: Incredibly versatile – 10.63 meters long.
Manoeuvrable, economical and flexible – in short: efficient.
High manoeuvrability for tight city centres.
Manoeuvrability is one of the obvious advantages of the eCitaro K. The 4.40 metre short wheelbase, combined with the 2.80 metre front overhang and 3.43 metre rear overhang common to all Citaro models, results in a turning circle of just 17.28 metres – almost four metres less than the 12 metre eCitaro. The eCitaro K particularly demonstrates its benefits on routes in tight city centres or cramped suburbs. However, the eCitaro K even masters routes with tight bends or winding roads effortlessly. In addition, the compact vehicle dimensions make it easier to enter and exit short bus stops which are difficult to approach in longer vehicles.
“Many customers demand vehicles that are flexible and can be used in tight urban conditions.”
Economical use with fewer passengers.
However, the eCitaro K doesn't just feel at home in tight and cramped spaces. It also excels in operations involving lower passenger numbers. Cutting the vehicle length by 1.50 metres and reducing the number of passenger seats result in a lower kerb weight, which, in turn, equals a lower energy consumption. This means that routes with low passenger numbers can still be managed economically. Whether for transport services in sparsely populated suburbs, on Sundays and public holidays, or during off-peak hours, the eCitaro K demonstrates its strengths whenever an articulated or 12 metre solo bus would be too large.
“By optimising its weight distribution, we have achieved a high passenger capacity of up to 84 passengers.”
High transport capacity for booster operations.
The eCitaro K also has no problem handling higher passenger volumes. Despite being 1.50 metres shorter than the standard model, it can carry up to 84 passengers, almost as many as the 12 metre eCitaro. The position of the high-voltage batteries on the roof was also adapted during the development of the eCitaro K to achieve optimum weight distribution – one of the key requirements for high passenger capacity.
With such a high passenger capacity, the eCitaro K is also more than suitable as a flexible booster on busy routes during peak hours. Another advantage of the 10.63 metre long eCitaro K is that it is available as both a two-door and a three-door model. It also has no range restrictions. With up to six NMC3 battery packs, the eCitaro K can reliably achieve a range of 400 kilometres.
Less space required at the depot.
Last but not least, the length of the buses in a fleet, or rather the space used by transport operators at the depot, can be another argument in favour of the eCitaro K, as Roland Weingand explains: "It can be quite tight at the charging stations, especially at older depots with retrofitted charging infrastructure. The eCitaro K takes up significantly less space at the depot than a twelve-metre bus with an almost identical passenger capacity, which can have a positive effect on the available space."
The range was determined internally under specific conditions, including equipment with maximum battery capacity, battery in delivery condition, in typical intercity bus operation and moderate weather scenario, and may deviate from the values determined in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/2400, for example. The actual range depends on the individual use of the vehicle, the vehicle configuration and other external factors. Therefore, the actual range may be below or above the specified value.
