Daimler Buses has delivered its first series-production Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell articulated buses to Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr (RNV).
This new all-electric model is equipped with NMC3 high-performance batteries and a 60 kW fuel cell as a range extender, allowing it to travel up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.
The handover of the first three buses took place on 23 November as part of a 48-vehicle order that will be completed by mid-2025.
40 of these vehicles will operate in the cities of Mannheim and Heidelberg, while a further eight units will be used in Ludwigshafen am Rhein. In addition, RNV also has the option to order an additional 27 eCitaro G fuel cell vehicles by 2027 if required.
“We are proud of the long-standing partnership with Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH, which is manifested in today’s handover of the first Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell. The birth and production site of our city buses and the RNV headquarters are closely linked in Mannheim, which strengthens this site within the Rhine-Neckar region for both enterprises.”
The three premiere vehicles will now undergo test operations until the beginning of 2024. This will allow RNV to train its drivers and test the vehicles’ refuelling and range estimations to optimise operations on their routes.
To support the operation of the new buses, RNV has also installed 30 charging stations and two hydrogen refuelling stations at its depots. The batteries will be charged with 150 kW charging capacity, while the hydrogen tanks refuel at a pressure of 350 bars.
