Zurich is the first ‘home’ of the eCitaro G. 3 vehicles on a shuttle line
Zurich: first commercial application for the Mercedes eCitaro G. Three vehicles are in operation in Zurich on the ETH Link managed by EUROBUS, which is thus the first transport company to use the articulated bus with fully electric drive in regular service operations. The articulated version of the eCitaro was announced to be ‘ready for […]
Zurich: first commercial application for the Mercedes eCitaro G. Three vehicles are in operation in Zurich on the ETH Link managed by EUROBUS, which is thus the first transport company to use the articulated bus with fully electric drive in regular service operations.
The articulated version of the eCitaro was announced to be ‘ready for rollout’ in September, with first deliveries expected for end 2020. In June, Daimler said there were already definite orders for over 60 of the new Mercedes eCitaro G from half a dozen towns and cities (starting from Munich).
It is worth mentioning that the electricity for the operation of the electric buses is produced solely with Swiss water power – or as it is known in Switzerland, “Wasserstrom”; the standard term for electricity generated from environmentally friendly hydroelectric power. This conserves fossil resources and hugely reduces CO2emissions.
Pantograph-charging for the eCitaro in Zurich
The vehicles are deployed on a shuttle line for students and employees, operated by EUROBUS, the largest private bus company in Switzerland. The company has a fleet of 270 buses at its disposal.
The electric buses are recharged at the Hönggerberg bus stop at a charging station with an output of 300 kW. The charging mast is fitted with a contact hood. The current collector mounted on the vehicle docks here and thus starts the charging process. The eCitaro G has a battery capacity of 243 kWh.
The Mercedes eCitaro G articulated buses each offer space for a total of 131 passengers; 38 seats and standing room for 93 with two wheelchair places. One of the four doors is fitted with a wheelchair ramp so that passengers with restricted mobility can enter the vehicle without obstruction. The ETH commuters can also enjoy public Wi-Fi, USB ports for their own personal end devices and an efficient climate control system on hot summer days.
The ETH Link is solely for students and employees at the ETH Zurich and their guests. During the day, the three vehicles travel back and forth between the ETH Zentrum and ETH Hönggerberg sites. The first morning connections (from 07.06 a.m.) and the last evening departures (until 6.54 p.m.) travel from and to Zurich’s main train station in order to provide train travellers with an optimum connection, it is specified.
Mercedes eCitaro G in Zurich
Patrick Nussbaumer, Managing Director of EUROBUS welti-furrer AG, comments: “In addition to being environmentally friendly, the new electric buses are characterized in particular by smooth running, comfortable low-floor entry and an attractive interior and exterior design. The ETH is thus setting an example and strengthening its position as a future-oriented educational institution.”
Armin Krieg, Head of Regular Service Bus Sales at EvoBus (Switzerland) AG, says: “We are delighted that with the introduction of the eCitaro G, we are able to continue our schedule for electromobility in city buses as announced and can underscore the leadership of Daimler Buses with regard to innovation and technology at, of all places, the very centre of technical and scientific research and teaching.”
