eCitaro ‘more than capable’ in Cardiff
Service Delivery Director at Cardiff Bus, David Conway, deems the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro to be ‘more than capable’ during a trial.
Cardiff Bus took delivery of the eCitaro demonstration vehicle for a period of 12 days. The electric Citaro joined the operator’s existing fleet of electric buses from other manufacturers. The eCitaro, now equipped with the latest NMC2 batteries for increased range, entered the fleet to demonstrate its capabilities on Cardiff’s busier routes.
Totalling just over 1,200 km over the demonstration period, the bus covered 353 km during the extreme heat recorded on 18 and 19 July without untoward range depletion or excess energy consumption. It was reported that interior ambient temperatures remained largely unaffected by the heatwave, with an average interior temperature increase of 1.5 to 3°C versus that of typical climatic conditions.
“The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro was a hit with our passengers too” – David Conway, Service Delivery Director at Cardiff Bus
David Conway, Service Delivery Director at Cardiff Bus, said: “The vehicle proved itself more than capable, both on the services we operate and in comparison with the existing electric buses we have in the fleet.
“The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro was a hit with our passengers too – describing it as coach-like in its ride comfort and refinement and, when standing at the bus stop, the ultra-modern exterior styling of the vehicle really created a sense of occasion.”
The pre-programmed gradual power delivery of the eCitaro also saw compliments from the drivers at Cardiff Bus. The operator reported that replicating the performance of an internal combustion engine ensured a familiar driving experience and absolute comfort for all on board.
In addition to the demonstration, July 2022 also saw Cardiff Bus take delivery of an ex-demonstration Mercedes-Benz Citaro hybrid previously operated by EvoBus (UK) Ltd. Joining an already large fleet of Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses, the low emission certified hybrid model will deliver up to an 8.5% fuel saving vs Euro VI diesel powered Citaro.
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro supplied to Cardiff Bus for demonstration purposes was supplied by Mercedes-Benz Bus Sales at EvoBus (UK).