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March 14, 2007 This Week:
© 1998 - 2007
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Ensuring a smooth, jolt-free switch between modes is the task of a special electronic control circuit which orchestrates the changeover for each cylinder individually. A gauge in the instrument cluster's central display keeps the driver informed of the current level of gas in the reservoirs. Once the supply of gas has been exhausted, the system automatically switches back to petrol operation, so smoothly that the change is imperceptible to the vehicle's occupants. As soon as the reservoirs are refuelled with natural gas, the journey is automatically resumed in the gas operating mode.
The supercharged TWINPULSE engine was modified by the addition of injector nozzles on the underside of the intake manifold. A pressure regulator with sensor and electromagnetic shut-off valve is fitted near the engine to regulate the supply of natural gas and maintain the required system pressure at a constant level. The reprogrammed engine electronics ensure seamless operation in both drive modes. The E 200 NGT distinguishes itself from comparable models, which often deliver poorer performance in natural-gas mode, by matching the sophisticated four cylinder power unit's exemplary power and torque characteristics even when running on natural gas. This makes the E 200 NGT the most powerful saloon with a bi-fuel drive unit currently in series production. This environmentally friendly variant of the E-Class is available in Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland among other markets, and in a right hand drive version for Thailand and Singapore.
Quite apart from the drastic cut in CO2 emissions, running the vehicle on natural gas also holds economic benefits. At the present time, a kilogram of natural gas costs between € 0.80 and € 0.90 in Germany, which translates into a cost of between € 0.54 and € 0.60 per litre when equated with the energy provided by petrol. This makes natural gas over 50% more cost-effective than premium unleaded petrol. Furthermore, a range of financial incentives - such as tax benefits and subsidies by the gas suppliers - is on offer in Germany to assist with the purchase of natural-gas-powered vehicles. Expansion of the filling station network in Germany is continuing apace. There are currently more than 730 filling stations in Germany with natural-gas pumps. Refueling with natural gas is extremely straightforward and takes no longer than with traditional fuel types. Furthermore, no losses through evaporation take place and no unpleasant odors are produced during refueling. (March 7, 2007)
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