The new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid uses new drive system technology that utilizes key elements of the 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.

Daimler Buses began its fuel cell work in 1997 with the NEBUS research vehicle—the world’s first bus to be equipped with a fuel-cell drive system. Daimler then moved ahead with the fuel-cell Citaro, the Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid drive system, and now the new Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid for 2009.

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

Since 2003, a total of 36 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses equipped with fuel cell drives have been in operation in 12 public transport agencies on three continents as part of the CUTE test, its HyFLEET:CUTE follow-up project, and other related testing programs.

The buses were driven a combined total of more than two million kilometers (1.2 million miles) in a total of approximately 135,000 hours of operation, with 90-95% availability.