Mercedes-Benz OE 302

The Mercedes-Benz OE 302 was a hybrid bus of Daimler-Benz, shown at the IAA in September 1969, and the first hybrid bus anywhere. It was based on the O 302, and at least 25 were built. In December 1969 Daimler-Benz had made no announcement of series production, and the Gesellschaft für elektrischen Straßenverkehr used the bus in practical test operation, which showed higher primary energy demand and higher operating costs than a conventional diesel bus. It was a two-axle, 11 metre high-floor city bus with a permitted gross mass of 16 tonnes. A commutator electric motor of 115 kilowatts rated and 150 kilowatts peak drove the rear axle, and a transverse OM 314 four-cylinder diesel of 48 kilowatts extended the range in suburban areas. Five battery blocks stored up to 91 kilowatt-hours and gave a top speed of 70 kilometres per hour and a range of about 55 kilometres.