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Alternative Drive Systems At Daimler AG For The Mobility Of The Future
Posted November 21, 2007 At 3:00 PM CST

Group photo: In the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes-Benz tested different propulsion concepts – with a correspondingly large fleet of test vehicles. The photo was taken on the test track in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim in 1981.

 

1. Alternative drive systems at Daimler AG for the mobility of the future

2. Alternative drive systems at Daimler AG

3. Hybrid vehicles - several drive systems on board

4. Electric motors as an alternative to combustion engines

5. Fuel cell - moving towards a zero-emission future

6. Using better fuels, achieving cleaner combustion and higher performance

7. Advancements with other internal combustion machines

8. Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz

 

Timeline: Alternative drive systems at Mercedes-Benz


1898: The Berlin-Marienfelde motor vehicle and engine factory, precursor of the Mercedes-Benz Berlin plant, presents its first electric vehicle.

1899: The Berlin-Marienfelde motor vehicle and engine factory offers a range of passenger cars, vans, and small buses with electric drive systems.

January 29, 1905: Wilhelm Maybach takes out a patent for a “vehicle drive system, consisting of an explosion machine and a compressed-air engine.” It is intended to remedy the design drawbacks of the internal combustion engine.

1907: The Mercedes-Electrique is unveiled in Vienna. It has electric wheel hub motors.

September 14, 1908: In 1908, the Berlin fire brigade decides to deploy a new platoon comprising four Mercedes-Electrique vehicles.

1943: Mercedes-Benz offers a wood gas burner ex factory that can be installed in different vehicles on request.

1957: The Mercedes-Benz LG 315 truck uses a multi-fuel engine that, according to the operating instructions, can run on gasoline, kerosene, petroleum, diesel, shale oil, lubricating oil, and even crude oil.

September 11 - 21, 1969: At the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), the company presents the OE 302 city bus as an experimental vehicle. It features a combined drive system: in the city, it is powered by electricity, while in rural areas it runs with the help of a generator driven by a diesel engine. Mercedes-Benz also unveils the C 111 with a Wankel engine. In 1970, this is followed by the improved C 111-II version.

December 17, 1971: Mercedes-Benz unveils the experimental OG 305 natural gas bus with a transport capacity of 113 persons.

March 1972: Mercedes-Benz unveils the LE 306 with battery exchange technology, the first concept for a modern electric van.

November 1974: A Mercedes-Benz 450 SL (R 107 series) is presented to the public with a spark ignition engine optimized for use with methanol.

1975: Mercedes-Benz presents the world’s first hydrogen-powered van with hydride accumulator as an experimental vehicle.

April 1975: In Esslingen, an experimental bus is unveiled for combined battery/overhead wire operation. Public transport testing starts the same day on the duo bus, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz OE 302.

October 22 - 25, 1978: The Mercedes-Benz OE 305, unveiled at “transport ’78,” the international trade fair for transport technology, features a combined diesel-electric drive system.

1979: Mercedes Benz presents various vehicles whose engines are powered by the alcohol fuels ethanol, methanol and M15 (15 percent methanol, 85 percent gasoline). Practical testing begins in Berlin.

May 1979: As part of a five-year field test, the first four of a total of thirteen OE 305 hybrid buses with combined diesel/battery operation start regular public transport service in Stuttgart. Seven more vehicles follow in September, in the town of Wesel.

June 1, 1979: In Esslingen, public transport service testing begins on five Mercedes-Benz duo buses based on the O 305. Two of these test buses are designed for combined battery/overhead wire operation, while the other three, one of which is an articulated pusher bus based on the O 305 G, are intended for diesel/overhead wire operation.

November 28, 1979: In Berlin, Daimler Benz AG presents its activities in the field of alcohol fuels. A fleet of 80 Mercedes-Benz experimental vehicles takes part in a large-scale test as part of the Federal German Ministry of Research and Technology (BMFT) project entitled “Alternative drive systems”. In the fall of that year, 208 vans powered by M15 (85 percent premium, 15 percent methanol) commence testing. Test passenger cars equipped to operate on pure methanol or pure ethanol are put into service the following year.

Late 1970s: Mercedes-Benz tests the gyro drive with a flywheel storage unit.

October 13 - 20, 1980: At the “Drive Electric ‘80” exhibition in London, Daimler-Benz presents a 307 E electric van to the international public. As part of a large-scale test, 18 of these vans are deployed in Berlin and Stuttgart under everyday conditions.

1981: In a test vehicle based on an O 305 bus, Mercedes-Benz unveils a new type of methanol drive system for commercial vehicles that features an energy recovery system.

September 1981: A gas turbine is one of several systems tested in the Mercedes-Benz “Auto 2000” research car.

1982: Production of the Mercedes-Benz O 305 GT trolley bus commences; it is intended for operation entirely with electricity.

April 1982: Mercedes-Benz begins testing electric drives in passenger cars with the station wagon from the 123 series.
October 8, 1984: A large-scale test on hydrogen as a fuel begins in Berlin. The gas is used in optimized spark ignition engines.

June 24 - 29, 1985: A solar-powered vehicle from Mercedes-Benz and Alpha Real triumphs in the “Tour de Sol” rally. It has solar panels fitted on the roof.

June 10 - 14, 1986: The “transport ‘86” exhibition in Munich, the international trade fair for transport technology, sees the debut of the O 405 T trolley bus. Like the O 405 GTD duo bus, it has a new form of electric drive technology that was jointly developed with the companies Dornier and AEG.

1988: Mercedes-Benz introduces the first vans with electric drives onto the market, for example the 308 E (T1 series).

March 8 - 18, 1990: One of the innovations at the Geneva Motor Show is a Mercedes-Benz 300 E-24 for variable methanol-gasoline hybrid operation, whose engine management system automatically adjusts to the mix ratio of the fuel components.

March 7 - 17, 1991: The latest electric experimental car based on the compact class (201 series) makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show; it features two electric motors powered by sodium/nickel chloride batteries, each of which drives a rear wheel. One advantage of the new drive design is that heavy mechanical components are dispensed with.

March 5 - 15, 1992: A “flexible-fuel” experimental car based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE (140 series) is presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The engine can run on alcohol and gasoline fuels.

March 1992: A large-scale test starts in the city of Freiburg with local taxi companies using rapeseed biodiesel in their vehicles. Focusing particularly on environmental protection, for a period of one year the cab drivers fill up their tanks only with transesterified rapeseed oil, instead of mineral-based diesel fuel.

1992: At the Olympic Games in Barcelona, the MB 100 E is deployed as a back-up and transport van. It is equipped with a DC shunt-wound motor.

October 2, 1992: A demonstration project that is planned to run for four years starts on the island of Rügen to test the latest generation of electric vehicles. Some 20 Mercedes-Benz vehicles take part.

1993: A prototype based on the C-Class (202 series) is developed, with an asynchronous electric motor as drive system and a Zebra high-energy battery as energy storage unit.

April 13, 1994: Testing starts on the Mercedes-Benz NECAR 1 (New Electric Car), the world’s first fuel-cell vehicle.

1994: Mercedes-Benz presents the O 405 N low-floor bus with a natural gas engine as a production vehicle.

September 1994: At the Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Mercedes-Benz presents the prototype of the O 405 GNTD, a low-floor duo bus with a diesel engine and electric wheel hub drive.

May 14, 1996: Daimler-Benz unveils the NECAR 2 fuel-cell vehicle. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

1996: Following in-depth testing, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter NGT (Natural Gas Technology) is launched on the market.

May 26, 1997: The NEBUS (New Electric Bus) makes its debut in Stuttgart. It has seating for 34 and standing room for 24 passengers. On a full tank, the NEBUS has a range of approximately 250 kilometers.

September 10, 1997: NECAR 3, the latest fuel-cell research vehicle, is not supplied with hydrogen from a tank; instead, it produces it on board, from methanol.

March 5, 1998: As part of a two-day innovation symposium at the Stuttgart Mercedes Forum, Mercedes-Benz presents an A-Class prototype with electric drive powered by a ZEBRA high-performance sodium-nickel-chloride battery. A large portion of the technical equipment is housed in the sandwich floor.

1998: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class HYMATIC has a hybrid drive. The car is based on an E-Class with 4MATIC four-wheel drive and gasoline engine (150 kW/204 hp). The power of the internal combustion engine is transferred to the rear axle, while the front wheels are driven by an electric motor (26 kW/35 hp).

September 3 - 10, 1998: One of the models premiered at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover is a Mercedes-Benz Cito medium-sized city bus with low-floor technology and diesel-electric drive.

March 17, 1999: The NECAR 4 research car is fitted with further improved fuel-cell drive. Key data: room for five persons, a range of over 450 kilometers, and a top speed of 145 km/h.

1999: Presented as a hybrid vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class HyPer has a transverse-mounted internal combustion engine (1.7-liter CDI diesel, 66 kW/90 hp) that drives the front axle, and an electric motor (26 kW/35 hp) that drives the rear axle.

2000: In 2000, DaimlerChrysler presents a Vario van and an Atego truck with hybrid drive systems. The diesel engine in the Vario 814 D Hybrid develops 100 kW (136 hp), while that in the Atego 1217 Hybrid develops 125 kW (170 hp). These diesel engines are backed up by electric motors with capacities of 55 kW (75 hp) and 60 kW (82 hp), respectively.

November 1, 2000: The A-Class NECAR 4a runs on pressurized hydrogen. The optimized electric motor generates 55 kW/75 hp.

November 7, 2000: NECAR 5 is unveiled in Berlin. The entire fuel-cell system including the reformer is accommodated in the sandwich floor of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, so that all the interior space is now available for passengers and their luggage. Its top speed is over 145 km/h on a full tank; the car has a range of over 400 kilometers.

2001: The HyPer smart city coupe sets a new benchmark. The prototype has an electric motor (20 kW/27 hp) which is combined with a three-cylinder diesel engine (30 kW/41 hp) into a single unit because of the restricted space.

July 26, 2001: A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with fuel-cell drive is tested in everyday operation in collaboration with the Hermes delivery service company. In a first test phase, the prototype is initially deployed in the greater Stuttgart area, and later in Hamburg following training of the Hermes drivers.

December 2001: NECAR 5 is subjected to rigorous long-distance testing in California. In two days, the fuel-cell vehicle covers 1,111 kilometers.

2002: Mercedes-Benz unveils the M-Class HyPer with hybrid drive. The electric motor is a “disc motor” with a comparatively short length.

2002: For the legendary Unimog commercial vehicle, the corporate Research division develops a serial hybrid variant in 2002. In the Unimog E-Drive, a 130-kW (177-hp) diesel engine drives a 100-kW (136-hp) generator which, in turn, supplies power to the electric traction motor and drive systems for the various implements.

October 2002:DaimlerChrysler unveils the A-Class F-Cell and announces a small series of 60 units. From 2003, they undergo practical testing around the world in government-funded international cooperative ventures. Also supplied for each deployment is a hydrogen filling station. At the same time, the first of 33 Mercedes-Benz Citaro city buses are presented with zero-emission fuel-cell drive systems, which are also used from 2003 on demanding routes by the local public transport authorities of ten different cities, with testing initially running for two years.

May 19, 2003: DaimlerChrysler, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and UPS (United Parcel Service) launch a demonstration project for practical testing of fuel-cell vehicles for daily commercial delivery services.

Mid-2003: DaimlerChrysler presents the world’s first synthetic diesel fuel manufactured from biomass, called SunDiesel.

October 2003: The F 500 Mind research car debuts at the Tokyo Motor Show with the most powerful hybrid drive in a research vehicle to date. It develops 234 kW (318 hp) and has a torque of 860 Nm.

2004: DaimlerChrysler and General Motors decide to collaborate in the field of hybrid systems development. BMW subsequently joins the consortium named Global Hybrid Cooperation.

January 2004: The Mercedes-Benz Vision GST 2 research car presented at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2004 features a hybrid drive. Researchers hope to make important findings for large-scale production.

November 2004: On the Idiada test circuit near Barcelona, Spain, an A-Class F-Cell is driven for 24 hours non-stop, interrupted only for refills. It covers just under 8,500 kilometers without any problems, at an average speed of approximately 120 km/h.

2005: The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with hybrid drive commences testing in distribution transport under practical conditions.

March 2005: The fuel-cell drive is used in the sports tourer class: Mercedes-Benz presents the B-Class with an advanced drive system at the Geneva Motor Show. Its electric motor produces over 100 kW.

September 2005: At the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveils the DIRECT HYBRID (gasoline engine and electric motor) and the BLUETEC HYBRID (diesel engine and electric motor) concept cars based on the new S-Class (221 series).

October 2005: The Mercedes-Benz F 600 HYGENIUS research car is unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. The fuel-cell unit installed in this car is around 40 percent smaller than those used in earlier experimental vehicles, and it is now fitted in a specially designed car, instead of in a vehicle body from large-scale production.

October 2005: DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America wins an order to deliver 500 hybrid Orion buses to the New York transport authorities. Orion is the market leader in this segment.

2006: Testing begins of the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 NGT van with bivalent natural gas drive.

March 2006: At the AMI (Auto Mobil International) motor show in Leipzig, smart presents the production version of the forfour lpg (liquefied petroleum gas) with liquefied gas drive.

July 5, 2006: Mitsubishi Fuso presents the Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck with a parallel hybrid system and commences production. It is the world’s most environment-friendly light-duty truck in production.

July 2006: In the UK, a pilot project is launched with the smart fortwo ev (electric vehicle). The company offers roughly 100 cars to selected British customers within the framework of a leasing scheme.

September 2006: A modified version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with hybrid drive commences customer testing at logistics companies operating in the greater Paris area.

January 2007: The first fire-fighting vehicle with fuel-cell drive commences daily operations: A Mercedes-Benz A-Class F-Cell is delivered to the fire brigade in Sacramento, California, where it is to be deployed as a command vehicle.

March 2007: DaimlerChrysler and BMW expand their cooperative venture in the field of hybrid drives. As equal partners, they develop a hybrid module for rear-wheel drive passenger cars in the premium segment.

May 21, 2007: DaimlerChrysler announces a new Mercedes-Benz hybrid bus. The prototype of the Citaro with diesel-electric drive is presented in the fall of this year, while the market launch is scheduled for 2009.

July 6, 2007: As part of its efforts in the field of climate protection, DaimlerChrysler announces that, from now on, the company will develop all its cars with a hybrid drive option.

July 6, 2007: smart presents the fortwo hybrid drive. With the help of the electric motor, the diesel engine consumes only 2.9 liters per 100 kilometers (81 mg).

October 15, 2007: Production of the smart fortwo micro hybrid starts in Hambach. It features a start-stop system which reduces the gasoline engine’s consumption to 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers (55 mpg).

 

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Group photo: In the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes-Benz tested different propulsion concepts – with a correspondingly large fleet of test vehicles. The photo was taken on the test track in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim in 1981.
   
Group photo: In the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes-Benz tested different propulsion concepts – with a correspondingly large fleet of test vehicles. The photo was taken on the test track in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim in 1981.
   
Mercedes Electrique: “The most reliable, quietest and most modern electric city car.” Advertisement of 1907.
   
Rapid start: In 1908, the Berlin fire brigade opted for the Mercedes Electrique with electric drive and purchased a fleet consisting of four vehicles. The wheel hub motors in the front wheels are clearly visible.
   
Mercedes Mixte on the front cover of the magazine “La France Automobile”, edition of November 9, 1901.
   
Environment-friendly electric drive: The Mercedes-Benz LE 306 of 1972 featured a battery exchange system which accelerated the “refueling”. The vehicle was extensively tested.
   
Environment-friendly electric drive: The Mercedes-Benz LE 306 of 1972 featured a battery exchange system which accelerated the “refueling”. The vehicle was extensively tested.
   
Environment-friendly electric drive: The Mercedes-Benz LE 306 of 1972 featured a battery exchange system which accelerated the “refueling”. The vehicle was extensively tested.
   
Environment-friendly electric drive: The Mercedes-Benz LE 306 of 1972 featured a battery exchange system which accelerated the “refueling”. The vehicle was extensively tested.
   
Ready for boarding: Mercedes-Benz city bus with hybrid electric drive of 1979. The internal combustion engine powered a generator which produced electricity for the traction motor.
   
Ready for boarding: Mercedes-Benz city bus with hybrid electric drive of 1979. The internal combustion engine powered a generator which produced electricity for the traction motor.
   
Ready for boarding: Mercedes-Benz city bus with hybrid electric drive of 1979. The internal combustion engine powered a generator which produced electricity for the traction motor.
   
Diesel-electric operation in cities: In the Mercedes-Benz Cito (1998), a four-cylinder engine powered a generator which produced electricity for the traction motor. Purely electric operation was possible over short distances.
   
Diesel-electric operation in cities: In the Mercedes-Benz Cito (1998), a four-cylinder engine powered a generator which produced electricity for the traction motor. Purely electric operation was possible over short distances.
   
Energy providers: The Mercedes-Benz OE 302 electric test bus (1969) needed five battery modules which were installed underneath the floor.
   
Diesel-electric: The Mercedes-Benz OE 302 test city bus was powered by electricity, its batteries being charged by a diesel engine. This vehicle marked a new start in hybrid drive development in 1969.
   
No clutch pedal: The driver of the Mercedes-Benz OE 302 electric test bus (1969) only had to actuate the accelerator and brake with his feet.
   
Diesel-electric: The Mercedes-Benz OE 302 test city bus was powered by electricity, its batteries being charged by a diesel engine. This vehicle marked a new start in hybrid drive development in 1969.
   
Early example of an electric car: The chassis of the 30/35-hp Mercedes with wheel hub motors (built from 1905 until 1909).
   
Refueling at the mains: Two Mercedes-Benz test vehicles with electric drive, photographed in 1995.
   
Testing in the early 1990s: Mercedes-Benz MB 100 D van with electric drive; a city bus version of this model was also set up.
   
Large-scale electric-drive test on the island of Rügen in 1992: Mercedes-Benz contributed ten 190 cars and ten MB 100 D vans.
   
Large-scale electric-drive test on the island of Rügen in 1992: Mercedes-Benz contributed ten 190 cars and ten MB 100 D vans.
   
Emissionsfrei unterwegs: Der in Serie gefertigte Duo-Bus, hier ein Exemplar aus dem Jahr 1993, hat einen reinen Elektroantrieb mit doppelter Energiezufuhr. Die Antriebsenergie kommt entweder aus einer Unterflur-Batterie oder gelangt per Oberleitung ins Fahrzeug („O-Bus“). Das bringt Flexibilität abseits des Leitungsnetzes.
   
Transparency: The X-ray picture of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class with electric drive of 1993 shows the layout of components.
   
Large-scale electric-drive test on the island of Rügen in 1992: Mercedes-Benz contributed ten 190 cars and ten MB 100 D vans.
   
Test car with ZEBRA battery: Mercedes-Benz 190 with electric drive, 1993.
   
Large-scale electric-drive test on the island of Rügen in 1992: Mercedes-Benz contributed ten 190 cars and ten MB 100 D vans.
   
Novel electric drive: The Mercedes-Benz 190 used as a test car in 1991.
   
Novel electric drive: The Mercedes-Benz 190 used as a test car in 1991.
   
Large-scale electric-drive test on the island of Rügen in 1992: Mercedes-Benz contributed ten 190 cars and ten MB 100 D vans.
   
Zero-emission motoring in the city: In July 2006, the smart brand launched a pilot project in London. The fortwo ed (electric drive) generates an output of 30 kW (41 hp) for adequate performance and has a range of some 100 kilometers (62 miles).
   
Zero-emission motoring in the city: In July 2006, the smart brand launched a pilot project in London. The fortwo ed (electric drive) generates an output of 30 kW (41 hp) for adequate performance and has a range of some 100 kilometers (62 miles).
   
High level of ride comfort: In early 1982, Mercedes-Benz began testing electric drive systems in passenger cars. The station wagon from the 123 series largely corresponded to the production version but its load compartment was reduced in size by the fact that it accommodated the battery.
   
High level of ride comfort: In early 1982, Mercedes-Benz began testing electric drive systems in passenger cars. The station wagon from the 123 series largely corresponded to the production version but its load compartment was reduced in size by the fact that it accommodated the battery.
   
High level of ride comfort: In early 1982, Mercedes-Benz began testing electric drive systems in passenger cars. The station wagon from the 123 series largely corresponded to the production version but its load compartment was reduced in size by the fact that it accommodated the battery.
   
Testing in city traffic: Mercedes-Benz 307 E van with electric drive (1980).
   
On the test track in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim: Mercedes-Benz 307 E van with electric drive (1980).
   
Propulsion energy at times of hardship, available ex factory: Mercedes-Benz 170 VG (1935) with wood gas burner.
   
Mercedes-Benz L 307 van of 1975: Test vehicle with hydrogen propulsion and hydride storage unit.
   
Test bus of 1971: The six-cylinder spark-ignition engine of the Mercedes-Benz OG 305 operated on natural gas – with very low pollutant emissions.
   
Prototype with electric drive: The Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W 168 series) of 1998 derived its energy from a ZEBRA high-performance battery on a sodium/nickel chloride basis.
   
In 1992, Mercedes-Benz presented a “Flexible Fuel” test car based on the 300 SE S-Class model (140 series). It engine management was designed for variable mixed methanol/ gasoline operation with a methanol proportion of up to 85 percent.
   
Adjustable engine management: In 1990, Mercedes-Benz presented the 300 E-24 for variable mixed methanol/gasoline operation.
   
Special setup: The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL test car (R 107 series) of 1974 had a spark-ignition engine optimized for operation on methanol. The engineers used the console and additional switches for controlling and monitoring the fuel system.
   
Three test vehicles from Mercedes-Benz (from left to right): LE 306 electric van (1972), OE 302 electric test bus (1969), OG 305 natural-gas test bus (1971).
   
Energy carrier for the future: In 1988, hydrogen was tested as a fuel in Mercedes-Benz vans and passenger cars.
   
Mercedes-Benz 200, 1981: Test car for the combined supply of the internal combustion engine with gasoline and liquefied gas.
   
Methanol operation and energy recuperation: The Mercedes-Benz O 305 test city bus on the test track in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim (1981). The vehicle was also tested in regular service.
   
Environment-friendly vehicles: Mercedes-Benz city bus with electric drive, van with electric drive and passenger car (123 series) for mixed methanol/gasoline operation. The photo was taken around 1980.
   
Methanol as a fuel: In 1979, the Federal German Ministry of Transport launched a research project named “Alternative Energies for Road Traffic”. Mercedes-Benz participated in a field test in Berlin with different vehicles, among them the 230 model (123 series).
   
Methanol as a fuel: In 1979, the Federal German Ministry of Transport launched a research project named “Alternative Energies for Road Traffic”. Mercedes-Benz participated in a field test in Berlin with different vehicles, among them the 230 model (123 series).
   
Gratifyingly low emissions, more efficient power output: The Mercedes-Benz 450 SL test car (R 107 series) with a spark-ignition engine optimized for operation on methanol was presented to the public in 1974.
   
B-Class F-Cell
   
NECAR 1, 2 and 3: From van to A-Class.
   
Mercedes-Benz Concept Vehicles, NECAR 1: An MB 100 van served as basis.
   
Mercedes-Benz Concept Vehicles, NECAR 1: The cargo space is packed with equipment. The stacks are arranged beneath the yellow hydrogen flask.
   
The Technology of the Fuel Cell and its Operating Systems, The operating principle of the fuel cell.
   
Matured: After the completion of the test stage, several units of the NGT Sprinter (Natural Gas Technology) were put into service, for instance by RHENAG in April 1996.
   
Matured: After the completion of the test stage, several units of the NGT Sprinter (Natural Gas Technology) were put into service, for instance by RHENAG in April 1996.
   
In 1992, Mercedes-Benz presented a “Flexible Fuel” test car based on the 300 SE S-Class model (140 series). It engine management was designed for variable mixed methanol/ gasoline operation with a methanol proportion of up to 85 percent.
   
Hydrogen testing: Mercedes-Benz also investigated the suitability of hydrogen as an energy supplier for internal combustion engines in vans.
   
On the way into the future: Different vehicles – the photo shows a Mercedes-Benz 230 E – were used in 1993 for testing hydrogen as a fuel for the internal combustion engine.
   
On the way into the future: Different vehicles – the photo shows a Mercedes-Benz 230 E – were used in 1993 for testing hydrogen as a fuel for the internal combustion engine.
   
Production car: In March 2006, smart presented the forfour lpg (liquefied petroleum gas) with a liquefied-gas tank in addition to the gasoline tank. In combined operation, the car has a range of 1,300 kilometers (over 800 miles).
   
Production car: In March 2006, smart presented the forfour lpg (liquefied petroleum gas) with a liquefied-gas tank in addition to the gasoline tank. In combined operation, the car has a range of 1,300 kilometers (over 800 miles).
   
Production car: In March 2006, smart presented the forfour lpg (liquefied petroleum gas) with a liquefied-gas tank in addition to the gasoline tank. In combined operation, the car has a range of 1,300 kilometers (over 800 miles).
   
Spectacular test car: The Wankel or rotary-piston engine was tested in the Mercedes-Benz C 111-I (1969, shown in the photo) and C 111-II (1970).
   
Spectacular test car: The Wankel or rotary-piston engine was tested in the Mercedes-Benz C 111-I (1969, shown in the photo) and C 111-II (1970).
   
On the way into the future: Different vehicles – the photo shows a Mercedes-Benz 230 E – were used in 1993 for testing hydrogen as a fuel for the internal combustion engine.
   
V8 gasoline engine with cylinder shutoff, six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger, gas turbine: The Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 research car (1981) was used for testing these three propulsion systems.
   
V8 gasoline engine with cylinder shutoff, six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger, gas turbine: The Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 research car (1981) was used for testing these three propulsion systems.
   
V8 gasoline engine with cylinder shutoff, six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger, gas turbine: The Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 research car (1981) was used for testing these three propulsion systems.
   
V8 gasoline engine with cylinder shutoff, six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger, gas turbine: The Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 research car (1981) was used for testing these three propulsion systems.
   
V8 gasoline engine with cylinder shutoff, six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger, gas turbine: The Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 research car (1981) was used for testing these three propulsion systems.

 

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