An unusual assignment for two very quiet, low-emission Mercedes-Benz buses: a Citaro NGT and a Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid will be in operation to transfer visitors around the exhibition site at the 2016 IAA International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover.
Clean and quiet shuttle service at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds
Mercedes-Benz will present the city bus of the future, the revolutionary Future Bus with CityPilot, in hall 14/15 at the IAA. On their way around the extensive exhibition site, visitors can also experience the capabilities of the latest Mercedes buses with alternative drive systems at first hand: a Citaro NGT with natural-gas drive as well as a Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid will be used to transfer visitors at the site.
The two low-floor buses will be in continuous operation between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from the first press day on 21 September until the final public day on 29 September, making their way cleanly and quietly along a circular route of the exhibition halls and the entrances to the extensive grounds.
Citaro NGT with low emissions, Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid with zero emissions
The Citaro NGT with natural-gas drive is well below the strict Euro VI emissions standard and is even quieter and cleaner than the standard Citaro with the innovative Euro VI diesel engines. The Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid goes a step further: this fuel cell hybrid bus produces the energy for its electric drive using hydrogen. It is exceptionally quiet and only emits harmless water vapour, i.e. zero local emissions.
Mobile hydrogen filling station at the exhibition site
During the IAA, the Citaro NGT will be re-fuelled at a public natural gas filling station nearby. To supply energy for the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid, partner company Linde AG has set up a special mobile hydrogen filling station at the exhibition site.
Both buses have already been in operation elsewhere. The Citaro NGT is part of Mercedes-Benz’ own vehicle fleet and has been used in trial operations across Europe. The Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid has already proved itself as a vehicle for long-term testing in regular service with the Hamburger Hochbahn transport company. During its deployment at the IAA it will be driven by drivers from the transport company, as they are familiar with the features of the fuel cell bus. The Citaro NGT will be operated by drivers of the Üstra bus company in Hanover, which is also responsible for the organisation of the shuttle service during the exhibition.
