Thanks to a number of internal engine measures, Mercedes-Benz has been able to introduce enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle (EEV) versions of its buses.
Previously the BlueTec engine versions of the vehicles were able to meet the optional EEV standard thanks to selective catalytic reduction technology and an additional particulate filter. However, the new technology is based on a modified Mercedes-Benz BlueTec 5 diesel technology with the fuel injection having been changed and the injection nozzle redesigned. This means that additional exhaust gas after-treatment is not necessary.
According to Mercedes-Benz there are a number of benefits compared to the previous solution – there is a lower cost since there is no additional expense for the diesel particulate filter; maintenance costs are reduced; curb weight is lower; and fuel consumption may also be lower thanks to reduced exhaust gas backpressure.
The EEV emissions standard is currently the strictest in Europe with some limits below the Euro 5 standard – for example, particulate emissions must be undercut by around 30 per cent.
