Daimler Buses has announced that a new battery generation, the ‘NMC4,’ will be available for all eCitaro variants starting in 2026, offering significant improvements in range. Additionally, the eCitaro with a fuel cell range extender will be able to operate solely on hydrogen in a new operating mode, enhancing its efficiency and flexibility for transport operators.
The new ‘NMC4’ battery generation is set to provide a six percent higher energy density compared to the previous ‘NMC3’ batteries, thanks to a new cell chemistry. This improvement will allow the eCitaro to achieve a range of up to 500 kilometers, a substantial increase from the current 320 kilometers. The eCitaro fuel cell variant, equipped with a range extender, will be capable of traveling up to 700 kilometers, up from the current 400 kilometers. Daimler Buses also highlighted the new batteries’ durability, offering an optional service life guarantee of up to 12 years.
The new batteries will be assembled by BMZ Poland, which will replace Akasol as the manufacturer. BMZ’s Gliwice-based subsidiary is expanding its production to meet the demands of the strategic cooperation with Daimler Buses. The NMC4 batteries will utilize nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry, with adjustments to the individual components, though Daimler has not disclosed specific details. The first customer for buses equipped with the new batteries is Autoservizi Troiani, which has placed an order for 110 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses, including 45 with the new NMC4 batteries.
In addition to the battery improvements, Daimler Buses is introducing a new operating mode for the eCitaro fuel cell model. Previously, the eCitaro fuel cell could not run exclusively on hydrogen; now, it can use hydrogen to fully charge the battery. This allows for longer intervals between charging station visits, providing transport operators with the flexibility to rely more heavily on green hydrogen as a fuel source instead of traditional grid electricity.