The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G has been named the “Electric Bus Champion 2024,” securing the top spot in the electric bus comparison test for articulated buses, organized by the trade magazine Omnibusspiegel earlier this year. At the IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hanover, Dieter Hanke, publisher and editor-in-chief of Omnibusspiegel, and Kirsten Krämer, editor of Omnibusspiegel, presented the prestigious award to Till Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses, and Mirko Sgodda, Head of Marketing, Sales, and Customer Services at Daimler Buses.
Till Oberwörder expressed his pride in winning, stating: “The electric bus comparison test by Omnibusspiegel is one of the most comprehensive and expert practical evaluations in the industry. This award is a testament to the hard work of our entire team, who strive every day to meet the high expectations of our customers across Europe. It also motivates us to continue delivering top-tier buses and services.”
In late April, over 40 international transport experts, including trade journalists and company representatives, evaluated the participating buses on passenger comfort, driver handling, craftsmanship, and serviceability. The tests, which included four days of driving in the Bonn district and a workshop evaluation, saw the eCitaro G outscore its competitors in all categories. This victory follows the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro’s success in 2023, when the solo version also claimed the title.
The eCitaro G, which entered the test as a four-door articulated bus, was equipped with six high-voltage battery packs offering a total energy capacity of around 588 kWh, ensuring a reliable range for the 18.13-meter low-floor vehicle. Key features of the test vehicle included the dynamic Articulation Turntable Controller (ATC) for superior steering, stability, and manoeuvrability, as well as the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), radar-based Sideguard Assist, and the Preventive Brake Assist.
The eCitaro G’s passenger compartment, similar to other Citaro models, impressed the testers with its comfort and practical design. The driver’s area, blending functionality with comfort, made handling the articulated bus straightforward. Additionally, the familiar instrumentation and controls, only slightly modified from the combustion-engine Citaro, allow for a smooth transition between vehicle types. In the workshop evaluation, the eCitaro G stood out for its ease of service and accessibility to key maintenance points.
