Mercedes-Benz Buses: eCitaro: In the event of danger

eMobility in series production

A bus that's safe all round.

Designed for greater safety: the eCitaro from Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz has invested a lot in passive safety in the eCitaro. For example, the frame used is an annular frame. What's more, the side walls are reinforced for additional protection in the event of a side impact. Of course, the body meets the high stability requirements of the UN ECE R29.3 guideline in order to provide comprehensive protection for the driver and occupants even in the event of the bus rolling over or tipping over. Climb aboard and feel safe all round!

Safe high-voltage technology.

Leaving you with zero safety qualms: the eCitaro.

Crash-proof battery modules, fire-resistant batteries, protected high-voltage cables – the eCitaro's high-voltage technology offers you comprehensive safety both when charging and during operation and service. The Mercedes-Benz test procedure, in which the cell, cell module, battery pack and battery group are extensively tested and certified, is a stress test you can rely on. And so that your workshop staff can also work without any fear of contact, there's also the high-voltage qualification programme from OMNIplus.

Fire detection system.**

The new eCitaro is equipped as standard with a fire detection system in the engine compartment which monitors the prevailing temperatures there. If the preset value of 160 °C is exceeded, the pressurised detection line breaks and warns the driver of the imminent danger by means of an audible alarm and visually in the driver's display with the message "Engine compartment fire detected".

A malfunction affecting the vehicle's operational readiness as well as an activation of the system, e.g. during a period of the bus being parked unsupervised, the driver is informed via the message "Failure of fire detection system" also being shown in the display.

Fire extinguishing system for the engine compartment.*

If a temperature of approximately 160 °C is exceeded, the driver sees an alarm in the driver's display as well as the message "Engine compartment fire". Additionally, an acoustic warning tone is emitted and the extinguishing process initiated automatically.

In the case of a fire, the pressurised detection line (Firetrace) breaks and sprays an extinguishing mixture made of water, engine coolant and a special additive via a series of nozzles around the entire engine compartment. The water mist evaporates as a result of the high temperatures and displaces the oxygen. The engine compartment is thus cooled rapidly, the fire extinguished immediately and re-ignition of the fire prevented.

The fire extinguishing system uses the cleanest type of extinguishing agent: water. The water, the high pressure and a foam additive attack all three chain reaction conditions that cause a fire: heat, oxygen and fuel. The system cools the fire – by forming water vapour from a high-pressure water mist, which absorbs energy. Furthermore, it smothers the fire – by forming water vapour, which displaces the oxygen. With a foam additive that forms a protective film over combustible material, it prevents the fire from reigniting. The fire extinguishing system is certified by TÜV and fulfils the legal requirements and test regulations of UN R107/06.