Mercedes Sprinter Goes Hybrid
A hybrid version of the popular Mercedes Sprinter van is set to go into production this year (2008). Like other hybrids the Sprinter van starts on electric power and stays running on batteries at low speeds.
The Sprinter hybrid technology uses a 70kW motor mounted between the transmission and the clutch. When the diesel engine is running the motor acts as an alternator, recharging the all important battery whenever the driver brakes.
When running on battery power alone the vehicle has a range of about 20 miles and the 14kW battery pack can be recharged from mains overnight. The lithium ion battery pack weighs in at around 160kg.
As for other hybrids, when running on electrical power, there is no fuel consumed, no emissions and the vehicle is near silent. The diesel engine comes into operation at higher speeds when both the diesel engine and electric motors work together.
The hybrid Mercedes Sprinter is just one of a number of hybrid commercial vehicles that we should see on the streets of the UK in 2008.
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Written by Hybrid on February 27th, 2008 with
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#1. February 27th, 2008, at 9:46 PM.
This is a good post