Electric power for Mercedes

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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truckmen - 7/2/2008 2:18:01 PM

+2 Boost

A 200km range just doesn't cut it! PML's car has been around for a few years already and is light years more advanced than this car! Compare PML's batteries life of four hours to this Mercedes 200km range.

w209w114 - 7/2/2008 4:31:58 PM

+2 Boost

Well 200KM definitely beats the Chevy Volt.

DieselRules - 7/5/2008 1:19:12 AM

+1 Boost

The A-class was designed to be an electric from the start.
That's WHY it has "sandwich construction" ... its not a coincidence.

200km on a charge? My office is 20km round trip. If it weren't for a laptop and such I could bicycle. But instead I drive a 400cc scooter (that gets 70 MPG and draws nasty glances from the Harley riders that I pass)

Remember: this is a tool for commuting. Its not intended to haul your family with kids and dogs across the country to visit relatives in the summer. That's what your new Q7 TDI is for! :) Or E-Class CDI Wagon .. which MB won't sell here ... which makes no sense because most wagon buyers want a practical car, and the CDI is the most practical thing they have. (Makes me crazy how the marketing types in North America just don't get it)