Bucher CityCat VR50e

The CityCat VR50e is the fully electric version of Bucher's largest compact sweeper, and the manufacturer describes it as a milestone for compact sweepers. With an electric driveline and a specially developed Bucher battery pack, the machine excels in range and zero-emission operation without sacrificing performance. The hopper holds 5.6 m³, and the machine has received both the German Design Award and the German Innovation Award.

Battery and charging

The 137 kWh battery pack has a nominal voltage of 573 V and, according to Bucher, gives up to 10 hours of operating time on a single charge. Bucher emphasises that the robust, maintenance-free design gives a long service life and minimal cell ageing. Two charging systems cover all situations: the 22 kW on-board charger with Type 2 inlet charges the battery in five to six hours, while 70 kW DC fast charging with CCS Combo 2 does it in one and a half to two hours. Depending on the selected regeneration level, the high-voltage battery is also charged during deceleration, extending the range further. The gross vehicle weight is 10 500 kg, the unladen weight 5800 kg and the payload 4700 kg.

Chassis and steering

The chassis is a Bucher-built frame construction with C-profile, with a rear drive axle with differential and planetary hubs and a non-driven front axle. The steering is hydrostatic four-wheel steering that can be switched on and off, with a turning radius of 2950 mm. The machine is 4980 mm long, 1798 mm wide and 2500 mm high, and the transport speed is 0–50 km/h, with 0–20 km/h when working. Pick-up is suction-based, with a recessed stainless steel suction mouth ahead of the axle that can be moved 400 mm sideways hydraulically together with the side brush, with hydraulic height adjustment, retraction on impact and an infinitely variable high-performance fan. With two brushes, the cleaning width is 2533 mm, with three brushes on Type XL 3520 mm, and with RCB set-up 3768 mm. The side brushes are Ø 900 mm with infinitely variable speed 0–150 rpm.

Hopper and water

The 5.6 m³ hopper is made of stainless steel and is supplied in different steel grades for the desired corrosion resistance. It is tipped and opened hydraulically, with a 930 mm discharge height for low discharge and 1550 mm for high discharge, a 1700 mm discharge width and a 51° tipping angle. The fresh water tank holds 880 l and can be expanded to 2000 l with an additional tank of 1120 l, and two water pumps feed the nozzles.

Cab and controls

The cab is hydro-mounted and sound-insulated, with glass all the way round, LED lights, central locking and room for three people with an extra folding seat. The machine is operated with the Smart-Con one-hand armrest with a 4.3-inch display and a CSense 10.1-inch touchscreen. The EasyClean function washes the fan, filter screen, dirty water tank and side walls clean in a couple of minutes, and the machine can be equipped with a 360° camera with bird's-eye view, turning and reversing assistance with object detection, and tyre pressure monitoring.