eCitaro impresses on Isle of Man

Mercedes‑Benz Bus Sales at Daimler Buses UK reports its electric-powered Mercedes-Benz eCitaro impressed while being trialled on the Isle of Man.

The bus was on high-capacity commuter and touristic services on the island over May and June with Isle of Man Transport, which trades under the ‘bus vanin’ brand. Completing over 800 miles over a 13-day period, eCitaro NMC3 fulfilled the operator’s requirements effectively, Mercedes-Benz Bus Sales reports. Using eCitaro’s Intelligent Thermal Management system, the ambient interior temperature averaged 21.39°C regardless of outdoor climate.

Representing the second all-electric Mercedes‑Benz bus trial for the operator, the newest demonstration eCitaro is a 2024 model equipped with new generation NMC3 batteries. The higher-energy cell chemistry makes for a greater capacity and therefore a longer range on this vehicle than ever before.

“While the greater range is a clear benefit for the operator, the reduced number of charging intervals as a result made a noticeable improvement on how deployable the bus can be” – Adrian Felton, e-Mobility Manager at Daimler Buses UK

Adrian Felton, e-Mobility Manager at Daimler Buses UK, adds: “We are delighted to support Isle of Man Transport once more in its drive towards electro-mobility. The latest iteration of eCitaro, with NMC3 batteries, impressed those behind the wheel and back at base. While the greater range is a clear benefit for the operator, the reduced number of charging intervals as a result made a noticeable improvement on how deployable the bus can be.”

Isle of Man Transport is no stranger to Mercedes‑Benz products, having an intake of new Citaro buses for its fleet modernisation programme over the past decade. The operator’s decision to move towards alternative power began in 2020 with the arrival of six Mercedes‑Benz Citaro hybrid buses – Euro VI diesel powered with a compact hybrid battery module to reduce engine load and operate at zero-emission at low speeds.

• The 2024 Mercedes‑Benz eCitaro was delivered to Isle of Man Transport for demonstration purposes by Mercedes‑Benz Bus Sales at Daimler Buses UK.