Two Mercedes-Benz series hybrid Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid buses are being put through their paces as part of a field test led by the Hamburger Hochbahn Transit Company.
The 18-metre hybrid buses are powered in part by four electric motors that are integrated into the wheel hubs on the centre and rear axles, and have a total output of 320kW. The vehicle also uses a combustion engine but it has only 4.8litres displacement compared to the standard 12 and with an output of 160kW it is around a third lower than the normal. It is also comparatively lightweight at around 450kg instead of 1,000kg.
The buses can run solely on electric power for stretches without making use of the diesel engine and they are the first vehicles to be sold and used within the framework of a customer field test in Germany.
It is expected that Mercedes Benz parent-company Daimler will test around 30 Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid buses in selected regions later this year to demonstrate their suitability for everyday use.
