Mercedes-Benz Buses Meet EEV Emissions Standard Without Diesel Particulate Filter

Mercedes-Benz buses are now available in EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) versions. Mercedes-Benz achieved the low emissions solely by means of internal engine measures and without an additional particulate filter in the case of the Mercedes-Benz BlueTec engines or a fuel economy penalty.

Previously the BlueTec engines were able to fulfill the optional EEV emissions standard through a combination of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology and an additional diesel particulate filter. This system will also continue to be available.

The voluntary EEV emissions standard is currently the strictest European emissions standard, with some limits which are below those of the Euro 5 standard, e.g., undercutting the Euro 5 standard in terms of particle emissions, for example, by around 30%.

The new EEV technology is based on modified Mercedes-Benz BlueTec 5 diesel technology. The fuel injection has been changed, and the injection nozzle, piping and mounting systems redesigned. Additional exhaust gas aftertreatment via SCR is not necessary. In terms of maintenance, service life, fuel consumption and weight, the EEV solution for Mercedes-Benz buses is on a par with established BlueTec 5 technology, according to the company.

Although the Mercedes-Benz Citaro city bus family already featured an EEV version, this was only available in conjunction with an additional diesel particulate filter. The new EEV technology without diesel particulate filter, meanwhile, provides operators a number of benefits compared with the previous solution, Mercedes-Benz says.

• Lower cost of acquisition, since no additional expense is incurred for the diesel particulate filter.
• Maintenance costs are also reduced due to eliminating the need to clean the particulate filter, thus in turn increasing the availability of the bus for service operations.
• Fuel consumption may also be lower due to reduced exhaust gas backpressure.
• The curb weight is lower and, in the case of the Citaro, operators benefit from gaining additional space for three more seats.

EEV versions of Mercedes-Benz inter-city buses and touring coaches without diesel particulate filters are now also available. Previously the products on offer included Euro 5 engines in the inter-city bus and touring coach range.