Legal Brief
Mercedes-Benz Eco-Start Adds up to a ‘Win-Win’ Situation
Document Actions
The latest addition to its technological armoury makes the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van even more fuel-efficient and kinder to the environment.
|
|
|
|
Not only can the new ECO-Start system slash fuel bills, it also reduces harmful exhaust emissions. And all by the simple expedient of cutting the engine while the vehicle is stationary.
The system works by stopping the engine whenever the vehicle stays still for more than two seconds, then automatically starting again when the driver depresses the clutch pedal. For multi-drop delivery operations or driving through busy town and city centres, or in heavy traffic, the potential savings are significant.
The system is easily activated by a rocker switch on the dashboard, and even when on will only activate when the engine is up to normal operating temperature, and if the driver selects neutral and lifts off the clutch pedal while stationary.
Optionally available on all new Sprinters with four-cylinder engines and manual gearboxes, ECO-Start is an enhanced version of the Motor Start Stop (MSS) system, which worked in a similar way on previous model Sprinters and returned some startling results in independent trials by leading commercial vehicle journalists.
Commercial Fleet World tested an MSS-equipped Sprinter on a route from Heathrow Airport to Central London, and found it used 13 per cent less fuel than a standard vehicle.
Motor Transport trialled two Sprinter 313CDI vans, identical save for the fact that one was fitted with an MSS system, on a five-hour, 58-mile journey around London. The MSS vehicle used 10 per cent less diesel and also spent a total of one hour with the engine off while waiting in traffic.
Most remarkable of all was a test carried out by Professional Van & Light Truck, through very heavy traffic in central Manchester, in which an MSS-equipped Sprinter used over 30 per cent less fuel than a standard van!
“Of course, the amount of fuel that ECO-Start can save on any one journey depends on many factors,” says John Reed, Product Manager for the Mercedes Sprinter in the UK. “Traffic conditions, vehicle specification and driving style can all influence fuel usage.
“Our own tests in the UK have shown a reduction in fuel consumption of at least six per cent, so operators in urban environments have everything to gain with ECO-Start.
“Using less fuel also cuts the amount of exhaust gas produced. And there are fatigue benefits too, because most drivers find it much more relaxing to have the engine off, rather than idling, when stuck in traffic or at the lights.”
The ECO-Start system, plus the uprated battery and alternator that are also required, retail for a combined price of £545.
“This represents excellent value for money,” says Mr Reed. “Even using conservative figures based on a vehicle covering an annual 25,000 miles at an average 25mpg, it means the system could pay for itself in two years and go on to deliver real cash savings after that. And of course, that payback period will only get shorter as fuel costs continue to rise.”
The system works by stopping the engine whenever the vehicle stays still for more than two seconds, then automatically starting again when the driver depresses the clutch pedal. For multi-drop delivery operations or driving through busy town and city centres, or in heavy traffic, the potential savings are significant.
The system is easily activated by a rocker switch on the dashboard, and even when on will only activate when the engine is up to normal operating temperature, and if the driver selects neutral and lifts off the clutch pedal while stationary.
Optionally available on all new Sprinters with four-cylinder engines and manual gearboxes, ECO-Start is an enhanced version of the Motor Start Stop (MSS) system, which worked in a similar way on previous model Sprinters and returned some startling results in independent trials by leading commercial vehicle journalists.
Commercial Fleet World tested an MSS-equipped Sprinter on a route from Heathrow Airport to Central London, and found it used 13 per cent less fuel than a standard vehicle.
Motor Transport trialled two Sprinter 313CDI vans, identical save for the fact that one was fitted with an MSS system, on a five-hour, 58-mile journey around London. The MSS vehicle used 10 per cent less diesel and also spent a total of one hour with the engine off while waiting in traffic.
Most remarkable of all was a test carried out by Professional Van & Light Truck, through very heavy traffic in central Manchester, in which an MSS-equipped Sprinter used over 30 per cent less fuel than a standard van!
“Of course, the amount of fuel that ECO-Start can save on any one journey depends on many factors,” says John Reed, Product Manager for the Mercedes Sprinter in the UK. “Traffic conditions, vehicle specification and driving style can all influence fuel usage.
“Our own tests in the UK have shown a reduction in fuel consumption of at least six per cent, so operators in urban environments have everything to gain with ECO-Start.
“Using less fuel also cuts the amount of exhaust gas produced. And there are fatigue benefits too, because most drivers find it much more relaxing to have the engine off, rather than idling, when stuck in traffic or at the lights.”
The ECO-Start system, plus the uprated battery and alternator that are also required, retail for a combined price of £545.
“This represents excellent value for money,” says Mr Reed. “Even using conservative figures based on a vehicle covering an annual 25,000 miles at an average 25mpg, it means the system could pay for itself in two years and go on to deliver real cash savings after that. And of course, that payback period will only get shorter as fuel costs continue to rise.”
About TNN News Feed
