Mercedes-Benz is busy rolling out its EQ electric car programme, but in the meantime it is exploring alternative energy sources that are cleaner and more efficient than fossil fuels. Natural gas is very much in the mix of those alternative fuels, as seen with the company’s newest product, the Mercedes‑Benz Citaro NGT hybrid bus with natural-gas drive. The switch over to electric drive systems in urban buses is complex and requires extensive preparation. Thus, Mercedes-Benz has implemented this environmentally friendly technology as an intermediate option. Gas engines are credited with virtually almost no particulate matter and much lower nitrogen oxide emissions than diesel. When used in conjunction with biogas or bio natural gas, the Citaro NGT hybrid is almost CO₂ neutral, says Mercedes-Benz. Biogas can be upgraded to a quality similar to fossil-based natural gas for use in the transport sector, and its cleaner properties make it attractive as an alternative to petrol or diesel. I...

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