Hybrid technology is an important step in the quest to control the energy consumption of vehicles more intelligently, thereby reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. In principle there are two different variants: mild hybrid and full hybrid.

In a mild hybrid the internal combustion engine is backed up by high-output electric motors. When moving off, these contribute their maximum output to the drive system and therefore allow powerful starting acceleration. When braking, part of the braking energy is fed back to the drive battery in a process known as recuperation. Particularly in urban traffic, this energy recuperation significantly helps to improve fuel economy. Moreover, in combination with the electric motor, the already economical diesel engine achieves further significant reductions in fuel consumption.

A full hybrid makes it possible to drive under electrical power alone. In this area our specialists are currently developing what is called a “dual-mode hybrid system”, a combination of an engine, automatic transmission, intelligent control electronics and a high-performance battery. The system operates like a variable transmission. The first operating mode is used for low speeds (e.g. moving off, parking), and driving is possible under electrical power alone. The second mode is intended for purely diesel operation. With the “dual-mode hybrid system” too, part of the braking energy is recuperated and fed to the drive battery.
When it comes to emission-free driving, the "plug-in hybrid" - a variant of the full hybrid - has even better credentials than the full hybrid: it offers the additional option of recharging the battery from the mains. Depending on battery capacity and size, an operating range of up to 30 kilometres is possible.

When the first Mercedes-Benz vans will be equipped with modern hybrid drive systems as standard depends on the cost situation for this technology - and our acute awareness that it must be in no way inferior to conventional drive systems in terms of reliability. Anything less would be unacceptable as an alternative for our customers.