Mercedes unveils Econic NGT Hybrid truck concept
Mercedes not only builds cars, but it's one of the most important freight truck manufacturers. Next month, there's a road transport Exhibition in Hannover, Germany, and the Stuttgart-based company is introducing a new concept hybrid truck: the Mercedes Econic NGT Hybrid (non-hybrid standard version pictured above). The hybrid truck uses natural gas (CNG) as fuel as well as an electric engine. According to Mercedes, the estimated savings in fuel costs are estimated at 60 percent, both for the lower cost of natural gas and for the improvements in fuel consumption (undetailed). With this hybrid, Mercedes is certainly solidifying its moves into the CNG fuel segment. Mercedes will also show off a new version of the CNG-powered Sprinter van with Stop/Start function, as well as a new 4WD version.
[Source NGV Global]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 9:01AM (8/22/2008)
"the estimated savings in fuel costs are estimated at 60 percent"
I guess that means there's a lot of uncertainty (?)
Reply
davewin 1:08PM (8/22/2008)
Yes, because it depends greatly on how the truck is operated - what kind of drive cycle (urban, highway, etc), the load that it's hauling, the driver, the weather, etc. As always, "your mileage may vary".
gorr 11:09AM (8/22/2008)
If it's 60 percent for this truck then it will be 60 percent for a regular car here in n.america and Gm, Ford, Chrysler do not sell regular cars that consume natural gas. Just honda sell a car with natural gas and they sell the machine to refuel at home. If the american manufacturers dissapeer one day we will know why, they work for the goverment not the consumer.
Reply
mkinla 5:46PM (8/25/2008)
re gorr:
you're right, Honda has a cool product, called the Phill, that allows consumers to refuel with natural gas using their own home supply. http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-gx/refueling.aspx
but you're misinformed about which automakers have NGVs. actually US companies manufacture NGVs for passenger and light duty applications. here's a list of currently available natural gas vehicles.
# Honda Civic GX
# Ford F-150 pickup
# Ford E-350 van
# Ford E-450 cutaway
# Ford Crown Victoria
# GM C4500 and C5500 Shuttle Bus
# GMC S10
# GMC Sonoma
# Chevrolet Silverado Pickup
# Isuzu NPR
Reply