Toyota Motor Europe (TME) will supply its fuel cell module (TFCM) for use in the new Daimler Buses city bus, the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Range Extender.

The TFCM2-F-60 is a second generation flat module which produces 60kW of power and can be easily integrated into the roof of the bus, alongside the battery and hydrogen tanks. A major benefit of fuel cell technology is the range of the electric bus can be extended in urban traffic to around 400km (249 miles) for a solo bus and up to 350km (218 miles) for articulated versions. The combination of the battery and the fuel cell as a range extender eliminates the need for intermediate charging.

TME engineers will support the overall design of the system and the integration of the module into the bus to ensure optimum efficiency, power and service life. The heavy-duty unit’s efficiency results in a comparatively low consumption of hydrogen relative to the power generation. With an integrated voltage converter, the TFCM operates in a voltage range of 450 to 700 volts and most efficiently at around 30kW.

Daimler Buses is part of Daimler Truck.