German manufacturer Daimler has been awarded the German Sustainability Award 2010 thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Atego BlueTec Hybrid.
The vehicle addresses a number of challenges to sustainability with the adjustment of hybrid components to the vehicle operating strategy reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by between 10 and 15 per cent – these savings could even be higher based on topography and operating conditions.
Mercedes-Benz Atego BlueTec Hybrid.
In the jury’s statement, it was outlined that when the vehicle is braking or coasting the electric motor serves as a generator that feeds energy into the lithium-ion batteries – it therefore described the vehicle as “setting benchmarks worldwide”.
Its innovative hybrid drive is the first time Daimler has offered very low emission technology in Europe ex works. It is based on a highly sustainable form of freight transport and the engine is complemented by a water-cooled electric motor with a maximum output of 44kW.
The electric motor itself is mounted behind the combustion engine and clutch, in front of the transmission. Both drive units can power the truck individually or in combination and it is possible to start solely on electric power, recover braking energy and to optimise the diesel engine’s characteristic curve.
The first batch of 50 Atego BlueTec Hybrids are expected to be delivered to customers in early 2011.
