Mercedes-Benz says that the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid, regular-service city bus, represents a step towards zero-emission public transport and improved resource conservation within the framework of Daimler’s ‘Shaping Future Transportation’ global initiative.

Powered by hydrogen, the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid is based on new drive system technology that makes use of key elements of the recently unveiled Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid. Shared components include axles fitted with electric hub motors, lithium-ion batteries to store energy and all electrically powered ancillary components. Mercedes-Benz says that the hybrid drive’s sophisticated control unit enables the vehicle to operate efficiently with hydrogen consumption much lower than that of previous fuel cell buses.

The new model will be deployed in normal operations within the framework of a major fleet test in several cities across Europe. This test series will proceed along the lines of the successful CUTE fleet test conducted by the European Commission between 2003 and 2006.