Mercedes-Benz are set introduce electric power in their range of cars from the bottom up, starting with the A-Class.
Beyond the hugely impressive new DiesOtto internal combustion engine, Mercedes have now seemingly made a design commitment to lithium-ion battery power in the medium term in both hybrid and stand-alone power applications.
Starting small
Former Chrysler boss and current Mercedes chief executive Dieter Zetsche has confirmed the company is set to introduce a range of electric power plants to its range of road cars by 2010.
“We plan an electric Smart for 2010 and for the same year a Mercedes (electric) model as well,” the man with the most elaborate moustache in the automotive industry told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
Although the electrification of power plants should revitalise the Smart car range appeal, the A-Class is a prime candidate to initiate the powertrain revolution for Mercedes due to its unique floor plan. Thanks to ‘sandwich’ construction, with its double floor, the A-Class could accommodate batteries without performing any serious modifications to the vehicle.
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