 | | | The logical step to fuel cells |
| Upon closer inspection, the Citaro with hybrid drive shows itself to be a logical step on the way to the urban public transit bus with fuel cell drive. |
The Citaro with hybrid drive already uses the adequate electric drive and batteries for energy storage. In principle only the diesel engine needs to be replaced by fuel cells. The generator and the tanks for diesel fuel and AdBlue can be eliminated. The necessary hydrogen tanks would be mounted as usual in the front axle area on the roof.
These comparatively minor changes in construction could produce a drive with virtually no emissions for use in the city – the zero emissions vehicle with no output of particles, nitrogen oxides and CO2 and with very quiet drive.
While this scenario is farther off in the future, the path of the Mercedes‑Benz Citaro with diesel hybrid drive has already been mapped out precisely. After its introduction in the second half of the year, it will go into trial operation at the beginning of next year. Series production is planned for 2009.
This is in combination with a further ambitious plan: the goal is to create a diesel-electric hybrid urban bus that is economical for the operator. With the current number of units still low, the feasibility threshold has not been achieved despite fuel savings of up to 30%. A decisive factor for the success of hybrid vehicles, besides progress on the part of manufacturers, will be the public’s willingness to pay for the ecological added value of the concept.
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