Refuelling a diesel Mercedes-Benz Citaro is extremely easy. The tank flap is front right over the wheel arch. You do need to think about whether the lid is screwed on or spring-loaded, otherwise that’s it. But how about “filling up” an eCitaro? Here there are various answers, some of them complicated.

The requirements of electromobility demand new, adjusted strategies from transport companies. First of all for the depot, because a few diesel pumps off to the side at the refuelling station have now become several dozen charging pillars spread all over the parking area. Secondly for operating strategy, as on certain lines an intermediate charging process may be necessary. And third of all for the bus itself, because battery charging should provide options and work both via plug and pantograph.

The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro can adjust flexibly to the desires of transport companies. At the start, in 2018, it had a CCS (Combined Charging System) plug for direct current charging at the front right. This allows it to be charged at up to 150 kW. From early 2021, two further positions will be available. There will be a plug on the left and a charging system in the tail. Every eCitaro can be fitted with two of these three plug positions, for example, charging from a pillar either to the left or to the right. This makes charging strategy and parking positioning simpler.

Other transport companies prefer intermediate charging. For example, at a terminus, while bus drivers have their break. The eCitaro also covers this. First off, it is already provided with a vehicle-mounted pantograph placed on the roof at the level of the front axle. Over the course of early 2021, the variant with charging rails on the roof will follow. When the vehicle stops at a charging station, a stationary pantograph is lowered onto them. Both variants allow high-power charging at up to 300 kW.

Because of their high energy density, solid-state batteries are designed for charging in the depot, not rapid charging, and only reach 80 kW. For this reason, the eCitaro using this newand revolutionary technology only comes with plug connections. But given its 441 kWh battery capacity and a range of around 320 kilometres under favourable conditions, the need for intermediate charging will scarcely arise.