Higher power density and durability: New NMC mix at Daimler Buses

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At the mobility move 2026 electric bus conference from March 10 to 12 in Berlin, Daimler Buses will present batteries with a higher power density and lifespan thanks to a modified cell chemistry, as well as expanded BMS and charging functions for its Mercedes-Benz eCitaro city buses.

The “4” in the designation stands for the fourth generation, “NMC” for the cell chemistry with lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt. These batteries are to be installed in the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro, eCitaro G, and eCitaro K low-floor city buses starting this year. The NMC4 battery generation from Daimler Buses is characterized by higher capacity within the same installation space. This increases the range.

Higher power density, more range

According to Daimler Buses, the cell chemistry with a different weighting of materials than in the current battery should lead to an almost 13 percent higher energy density compared to the NMC3 battery, and thus a higher storage capacity within the same installation space. For example, an NMC3 battery can hold 98 kWh, while the equally sized NMC4 battery holds 111 kWh. At the same time, Daimler is releasing a larger usable capacity, which should significantly increase the possible range without recharging.

The NMC4 battery is visually indistinguishable from the NMC3 and fits into the current Mercedes-Benz eCitaro without modification. This also allows for later retrofitting of existing vehicles if necessary.

Improved fast charging tolerance

Daimler Buses promises a longer lifespan for the new NMC4 battery, which should enable greater mileage. This will make operating an electric bus cheaper in the long run, as Daimler Buses writes. Less frequent battery replacements are intended to help contain costs. This also reduces recycling costs.

The promise of reduced wear and tear also applies beyond 150 kW charging power. The new cell chemistry is said to handle regular fast charging processes with up to 300 kW charging power so well that the battery should last longer even under such operating conditions. This seems plausible as Daimler Buses offers a ten-year warranty and, for an additional charge, an extended warranty of up to 15 years.

Battery calls technician

Because the thermal monitoring and alarm system in case of overheating also works in standby mode for the NMC4 battery, the safety of the new battery generation should also improve. The so-called battery monitoring has been integrated since 2025 and contacts customer-provided phone numbers in case of problematic limit values. Many insurance companies already recognize this real-time fire prevention as a risk mitigation measure with correspondingly reduced premiums, another TCO argument for bus companies.

Individual configuration

Starting in 2026, Daimler will equip the solo bus and the short eCitaro K, as well as the articulated bus eCitaro G in the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro series with an NMC-4 battery configuration according to customer wishes. The solo bus and the short eCitaro K can be ordered with four to six batteries, with capacities of 444, 555, or 666 kWh, corresponding to a maximum range of up to 600 kilometers. The articulated bus eCitaro G can be ordered with four to seven batteries with a total of up to 777 kWh for up to 450 kilometers. This means that the daily mileage of city buses can usually be guaranteed without intermediate charging, as Daimler Buses writes.

E-mobility and digital services from a single source

As before, the company offers services from feasibility analysis and planning to turnkey solutions for bus operators, including electric depots with grid connection and charging parks. This includes expertise and, if necessary, quick assistance from high-voltage-qualified employees and corresponding technical equipment at more than 130 eBus service points in Europe.

New is Charging-as-a-Service for the company's own depot, where Daimler Buses takes over the complete setup and operation of the charging infrastructure and bills the customer monthly. With its digital service Omniplus ON Portal, Daimler Buses already offers services such as online remote diagnostics, consumption and driving analyses, pre-conditioning, and location tracking. New is speed-based geofencing, which is intended to increase security and relieve drivers.

(fpi)