The Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro K, measuring 10.63 metres in length, is the latest model in the eCitaro family. Roland Weingand, project manager responsible for the development of the eCitaro K, explains what makes the eCitaro K special and the important role that the high‑voltage batteries on the roof and the electronically controlled shock absorbers played in its development.
Omnibus Magazine
How do you make an electric bus shorter?
The eCitaro K boasts great manoeuvrability and excellent handling characteristics.
How do you make an electric bus shorter?
Interview with Roland Weingand, eCitaro K project manager, about the challenges during the development of the 10.63 metre-long eCitaro K.
Roland, how long did you and your team spend working on the development of the eCitaro K, from the initial idea to the start of series production?
Let me start with this: the idea of a short vehicle is nothing new. Many customers want vehicles that can be used flexibly and in dense urban traffic, i.e. on quieter routes, at the very beginning and end of the day, but also as extra support for busy routes. These vehicles must be highly manoeuvrable to be able to get down narrow, inner-city roads. At the end of 2021, we finalised the specifications for a short eCitaro and began development. Only three years later, the first series-production vehicles rolled off the production line.
“And the project has been a great success: the eCitaro K boasts excellent driving dynamics and a high passenger capacity for its size.”
What were the biggest challenges you faced during development?
Shortening an existing bus – in this case the eCitaro – by 1.5 metres sounds simple at first, but as is so often the case, the devil is in the detail. For example, we had to adjust the position of the high‑voltage batteries on the roof to achieve optimal weight distribution. This is crucial for ensuring a high passenger capacity, especially with such a short vehicle. The result is that the eCitaro K can transport up to 84 passengers – almost as many as the 12‑metre eCitaro. However, the short wheelbase also changes the driving dynamics and the pitch and roll characteristics in particular. Our goal was to achieve just as good handling and driving characteristics with the eCitaro K as customers are used to with all our city buses. For this reason, we have completely reconfigured the suspension and, in particular, the characteristics of the electronically controlled dampers. Today I can say that our eCitaro K has been a great success, boasting excellent driving dynamics and a high passenger capacity for its size.
“The electronic shock absorbers have been completely reconfigured and have undergone extensive testing – even on ice and snow.”
The Citaro with all its different lengths and variants is based on a modular system. How did you benefit from this modular system in this project?
The Citaro modular system has made the development of the eCitaro K far easier and faster. We were able to use many tried-and-tested assemblies right from the start. Axles, drive, high‑voltage technology, the front end and rear end, the driver’s workplace and the many assistance systems – we didn't have to make any alterations to any of that. But the customers benefit most from the modular system. Because no matter which Citaro or eCitaro they have in their fleet, many of the components and spare parts are identical and therefore easily obtainable in the event of damage.
What tests and driving trials did the eCitaro K have to undergo before it was approved for series production?
As is usual at Daimler Buses, the eCitaro K has also undergone the complete testing process and all simulation stations that a new vehicle type is required to complete, including winter testing in the Arctic Circle and the test for rollover safety in accordance with ECE R66. Thanks to our highly experienced test engineers, we are delighted to be able to present our customers with a well‑developed vehicle with excellent ride comfort and safety.
