New add in the eCitaro family: Daimler Buses launches the 10.6m K model at IAA Transportation

eCitaro K: that’s the name of the new member of the Mercedes eCitaro family, just unveiled in Hannover at the eve of the opening of IAA Transportation 2024. An exhibition where just 6 bus manufacturer are on stage.

Although the main news coming from the group are related to the truck sector (namely: start of series production of the eActros 600 in November and launch of new TruckCharge brand, as reported on our sister media platform Sustainable Truck & Van), Daimler Truck brought in Hannover also something to show to public transport professionals.

Mercedes eCitaro K is now real

The new eCitaro K (10,633-mm long) follows the 12-meter eCitaro and the G model already well established on the European market. The wheelbase has been shortened by around 1.5 meters (and stands to 4,398 millimetres), capacity is up to 84 passengers. Turning radio? From data sheet: approximately 17,284 mm.

From four to six battery packs are possible on board. Given that each has 98 kWh capacity, it means that battery capacity can vary from 392 to 589 kWh. “Five high-voltage battery packs with a total energy capacity of 491 kWh, spread across the roof (three packs) and the rear (two packs), ensure an appropriate range for the two-door solo bus”, the OEM states.

Daimler Truck says that over 300 km are achievable with the maximum capacity configuration, provided that conditions are ‘favorable’. The vehicle has been designed for plug-in charging in the depot.

In Hannover also the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo Safety Coach celebrated its public premiere, while a representative of the new generation of Setra MultiClass LE intercity buses (the 510 hybrid) is also on show.

What about safety on the eCitaro K?

The premiere model has been equipped with the new 360° camera system providing crucial assistance to drivers when precise manoeuvring is required, such as at the depot or along narrow sections of a route, as well as when cars are parked in a bus lane. The Preventive Brake Assist 2 active braking assistant is practically worth taking for granted, since Sideguard Assist 2, Frontguard Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPM, Traffic Sign Assist and Attention Assist are standard in all buses from Daimler Buses.

Safety and support for the driver also include the optionally engageable speed limit to 33 km/h and the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System.  A driver’s cab door with a partition across the entire door width creates distance, while an active filter with antiviral function ensures healthy air on board.

Till Oberwörder, CEO Daimler Buses, states: “We are actively driving the transformation towards locally CO2-neutral passenger transportation. Our new eCitaro K means that, in the meantime, we have five electrified city buses in our portfolio, enabling us to cover virtually all relevant use-cases in public local transportation. Over and above this, we offer together with our subsidiary Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH turnkey solutions for the operation of a fleet of electric city buses.”