The analysis is outlined in the plug-in’s newly release “Life Cycle” brochure, the results of which have also been confirmed by TÜV Süd, a branch of the German Technical Inspection Agency. The new plug-in hybrid satisfies all criteria of an environmentally responsible product development pursuant to ISO standard TR 14062.

Compared to the gasoline-engined C 250, the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e plug-in hybrid ( earlier post) can reduce full life-cycle (manufacture, use over 200,000 km and recycling) CO 2 emissions by some 26% (9.6 tonnes) when charging with the European electricity mix and by up to 41% (15.1 tonnes) when charging with renewable power.

The sedan and the wagon model deliver certified fuel consumption of 2.4 - 2.1 liters per 100 kilometres (98 - 112 mpg US), or 55 – 48 g CO 2 /km) and up to 31 kilometres (19 miles) of all-electric driving. Both models are equipped with air suspension and pre-entry climate control as standard.

From a displacement of just under two litres, the four-cylinder gasoline engine in the C 350 e produces 155 kW (211 hp) and has a maximum torque of 350 N·m (258 lb-ft). The electric motor has an output of up to 60 kW and delivers torque of 340 N·m (251 lb-ft). A total system output of 205 kW (279 hp), as well as system torque of 600 N·m (443 lb-ft), are thus available to be called upon by the standard-fit 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. The 6.38 kWh Li-ion battery pack can be charged from an external power source.

An intelligent engine management system works in the background to automatically select the ideal combination of combustion engine and electric motor. If a destination is programmed into the navigation system, an intelligent operating strategy controls charge and discharge of the high-voltage battery in the C 350 e to ensure optimal use of energy over the entire route.

Another aim of this route-based operating strategy is to reach urban areas with a fully charged battery if possible, so that the vehicle can be driven efficiently in stop-and-go traffic—and frequently in electric mode.

Resources used. The hybrid-specific components require higher material resources than is the case with the C 250; a total of 1,705 kg for the C 350 e, versus 1,435 kg for the comparably equipped C 250. However, a high recovery quota of 95% ensures that the materials used are not lost.

Analysis of the individual life cycle phases reveals that more energy goes into manufacturing the PHEV. During the operation phase, however, energy input can be significantly reduced thanks to its high efficiency. Overall, the C 350 e shows a significant reduction in energy resources used compared to the C 250, according to the analysis. The ratio further improves by every kilometer driven beyond the 200,000 used in the LCA.

CO 2 emissions. Producing the plug-in hybrid generates more CO 2 emissions than the production of the C 250: 10.1 tonnes of CO 2 versus 7.6 tonnes, or about 33% higher than the C 250 production carbon footprint. However, this is more than compensated for in the operation cycle.

Gauging other environmental effects, such as summer smog potential, acidification potential, and eutrophication potential, the C 350 e powered by hydro power shows significant improvement over the life cycle.