After its environmental compatibility has been closely studied by the TUV Sud technical inspection authority, the first Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid has been granted the Environmental Certificate.
The Environmental Certificate is awarded in compliance with the ISO standard TR 14062 and was based on a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of the S 500 plug-in hybrid, as inspectors documented every detail of relevance for the environment.
Basically, all three hybrid S-Class models now have environmental certificates which document the models’ performance from development stage through recycling, across the car’s entire lifecycle.
An important aspect of the certification was the one regarding the CO2 emission level attained by the Mercedes-Benz S 500 plug-in hybrid.
“Over the entire life cycle, comprising manufacture, use over 300,000 kilometres and recycling, clear advantages result compared with the S 500. External charging with the European electricity mix can cut CO2 emissions by some 43 percent (35 tonnes). Through the use of renewably generated hydroelectricity a 56 percent reduction (46 tonnes) is possible,” states the certificate.
In response, the Mercedes-Benz officials explained their vision about this new technology and how will the philosophy is and will be implemented in the future.
“The new S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID is the spearhead of our hybrid strategy. It offers the power and performance of a V8, but runs on as little fuel as a compact model – and it is able to cover more than 30 km with zero emissions. The upshot is a unique combination of luxury, driving pleasure and environmental compatibility.”