INTERNATIONAL
Dutch bus operator rolls out nearly 100 Mercedes-Benz Citaro NGT hybrids
From the end of August the EBS (Egged Bus Systems) public transport company will be operating 93 low-floor Mercedes-Benz Citaro NGT hybrids in the Rotterdam – The Hague metropolitan area. The new low-emission fleet includes 83 solo buses and 10 articulated buses. Their common characteristic is the combination of a natural gas engine with a hybrid module. EBS is located in the town of Purmerend, north of Amsterdam, and operates several bus routes in the Netherlands.
The combination of a CNG engine with a hybrid module is a unique selling point for this highly efficient Citaro bus in Europe. The Mercedes-Benz M 936 G CNG engine delivers 222 kW (302 hp) from 7.7 l displacement and achieves a maximum torque of 1200 Nm. When used in conjunction with biomethane, the Citaro NGT hybrid is almost CO2 neutral.
The electric motor of the hybrid module supports the natural gas engine primarily when the vehicle pulls away and the demand for power is high with an output of up to 14 kW and 220 Nm torque. The ability to provide for this maximum demand in power reduces fuel consumption, which is already low, by up to 8.5%. Accordingly, emissions are lower.
The use of the hybrid module also further reduces the low noise levels of the CNG engine when pulling away. The electric power for the electric motor is recuperated during braking and overrun phases at no cost. It is stored in double-layer capacitors – so-called supercaps.
In addition to the natural gas engine, hybrid module and the ZF Ecolife automatic transmission, the urban buses are equipped with electrohydraulic intelligent eco steering – a recuperation module for recuperating electric power – and LED headlamps. Passengers also enjoy an air-conditioned passenger compartment, comfortable Inter Star Eco overland seats with particularly high backrests and infotainment with TFT screens in a 29-inch format.