Mercedes-Benz Hybrid & Electric



Strategic partnership: Daimler acquires stake in Tesla

  • German automaker acquires nearly 10 percent of one of the leading electric vehicle companies

  • Automakers agreed to cooperate in battery systems, electric drive systems and vehicle projects

Stuttgart, Germany, and San Carlos, Calif. -- Daimler AG has acquired an equity stake of nearly 10 percent of Tesla Motors Inc. This investment deepens the relationship between the inventor of the automobile and the newest member of the global auto industry. Tesla is the only production automaker selling a highway capable electric vehicle in North America and Europe.

The two companies have already been working closely to integrate Tesla's lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler's electric smart car. In order to benefit from each other's know-how, the investment enables the partners to collaborate even more closely on the development of battery systems, electric drive systems and in individual vehicle projects.

"Our strategic partnership is an important step to accelerate the commercialization of electric drives globally," said Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "As a young and dynamic company, Tesla stands for visionary power and pioneering spirit. Together with Daimler's 120 years of experience in the automotive sector this collaboration is a unique combination of two company's strengths. This marks another important milestone in Daimler's strategy for sustainable mobility..

"Daimler has set the benchmark for engineering excellence and vehicle quality for more than a century. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Daimler would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla," said Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk. "Daimler is also on the leading edge in the field of sustainable mobility. Among others the lithium-ion pouch-cell battery developed by Daimler and especially designed for automotive applications is of interest to us. We are looking forward to a strategic cooperation in a number of areas including leveraging Daimler's engineering, production and supply chain expertise. This will accelerate bringing our Tesla Model S to production and ensure that it is a superlative vehicle on all levels."

Together on the road to electro-mobility

As part of the collaboration, Prof. Herbert Kohler, Vice President E-Drive and Future Mobility at Daimler AG, will take a seat on Tesla's board of directors. This long-term partnership with Tesla complements Daimler's multi-facetted strategy to advance the electrification of the automobile.

Daimler is also moving forward the industrialization of lithium-ion technology. In March, the company founded the Deutsche Accumotive GmbH, a joint venture with Evonik Industries AG. As a result, Daimler is the first vehicle manufacturer worldwide that develops, produces and markets batteries for automotive applications. This is based on a Daimler stockholding in Li-Tec, the German specialist for lithium-ion battery cells.

100 smart electric cars have already been undergoing large-scale trials in London since 2007. These electric vehicles are being tested in day-to-day assignments by fleet operators and private customers.

Later this year the smart assembly plant in Hambach, France, will start production of up to 1,000 units of the second-generation smart fortwo with electric drive, which will initially be used for mobility projects such as e-mobility Berlin or e-mobility Italy. This year Daimler is also starting small-series production of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class with a fuel cell drive system. In 2010 the company will introduce its first battery-powered Mercedes-Benz. As of 2012, Daimler plans to equip all smart and Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles with its in house produced lithium-ion batteries.

In 2004, Tesla began development of its first electric vehicle, the Roadster, which remains the only highway capable EV for sale in North America or Europe. The Tesla Roadster is the first production battery electric vehicle to travel more than 200 miles per charge and the first US- and EU-certified lithium-ion battery electric vehicle. This green supercar accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds yet gets the equivalent of 256 miles per gallon. The Roadster, which travels an estimated 244 miles per charge with zero tailpipe emissions, is the first production vehicle to break the historical compromise between automobile performance and efficiency.

The Tesla Model S builds upon the success of the Tesla Roadster by leveraging its technology into the world's first fully electric sedan. Based in Silicon Valley, Tesla unveiled the Model S in March and plans to produce it in California starting in late 2011.
May 19, 2009



The Updated 2009 Mercedes S-Class Makes Its World Debut
The technology highlights include the world's first standard production hybrid drive with a lithium-ion battery in the S 400 HYBRID, which makes the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz model the most economical petrol-engine luxury saloon. The battery developers Herbert Kohler for Daimler and Michael Keller for Continental, received the Porsche prize 2009 from the TU Wien.
April 9, 2009

ML 450 HYBRID - 4-cylinder fuel consumption with V8 power
Mercedes introduces the production version of the ML450 HYBRID at the New York Auto Show with more torque than expected. The performance figures for the ML 450 HYBRID are at the level of a classic eight-cylinder SUV with permanent all-wheel drive. Yet, its fuel consumption is up to 60 percent lower. Conceived specifically for the North American market, the ML 450 HYBRID achieves an estimated gas mileage of 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The ML350 BlueTEC diesel compares with 18/24 mpg city/highway mileage. For the ML 450 HYBRID Mercedes promises a refined driving experience combined with increased driveline comfort, with a system output of 335 hp and an overall torque of 381 lb-ft.
April 8, 2009

Evonik and Daimler announce alliance
Evonik and Daimler are developing lithium-ion cells with Li-Tec, to push forward research, development and production of the cells. The lithium-ion batteries produced by the joint venture will be used in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors, starting in 2012. According to Daimler, the electrification of the automobile is the key to sustainable mobility.
December 15, 2008

Daimler introduces three BlueZERO electric concept cars

  • The all-electric BlueZERO E-CELL is powered by lithium-ion cells, with a range of up to 124 miles. Recharging takes 3 to 4 hours from a standard outlet, or 30 minutes for a 30 mile range. The E-CELL debuts a new alu-beam color: lime green.

  • The BlueZERO F-CELL produces its electricity itself from oxygen and hydrogen, with a range beyond 249 miles. The F-CELL introduces alu-beam mint green.

  • The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS houses in addition to the electric motor a small gasoline engine (50 kW, 68 hp, from the Smart) in the spare wheel well. If the battery with a range of 62 miles runs out of juice, a generator then produces electricity to extend the range up to 373 miles. Recharging takes 2 hours.

The sandwich floor houses the high voltage electrics in all three. The concepts will be shown at the upcoming North American International Autoshow in Detroit. Fleet tests start with the F-CELL in 2009 followed by the E-CELL in 2010. Volume production launches a few months after the electric smart fortwo in 2012. By then batteries are expected to become more cost effective.
December 11, 2008

PSA Peugeot Citroėn and Bosch to develop diesel hybrid
The recently signed agreement calls for Bosch to co-develop, industrialize and supply electric motors and power electronics for PSA Peugeot Citroėn's four-wheel-drive diesel hybrid powertrain. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on the Peugeot Prologue and Citroėn Hypnos concept cars, this innovative diesel hybrid technology will equip Peugeot and Citroėn vehicles starting in 2011. It's a through the road hybrid, with the diesel driving the front wheels, and the electric motor driving the rear wheels. PSA Peugeot Citroėn selected Bosch as core development partner.
December 10, 2008

Mercedes ML450 HYBRID engineering vehicle
At MBUSI the first engineering vehicle, which is used for validation and testing purposes, rolled off the assembly line on October 29, 2008.
Its innovative two-mode hybrid system enables all-electric driving and utilizes a further refined engine, like in the S400 HYRBID.

The 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine with variable valve control makes use of the advantages offered by the Atkinson principle, where the expansion phase is longer than the compression phase. The intake valve is kept open slightly longer between the intake and compression phases, which improves the engine's thermal efficiency while reducing the specific fuel consumption and untreated emissions. A new cylinder head, different pistons and a modified camshaft with different camshaft control increase the output by 5 kW (7 hp) to 205 kW (275 hp) with 258 lb-ft of torque - while reducing fuel consumption at the same time.

The electric continuously variable transmission together with the engine produce a combined system output of 250 kW (335 hp) with a combined peak torque of 381 lb-ft. Two electric motors rated at 67 and 63 kW are integrated into the compact transmission, with two variable and four fixed gears.

ML450 HYBRID

3.5 liter V6 engine
Atkinson cycle

205 kW (275 hp)

258 lb-ft

2 electric motors
two-mode automatic

  67 kW / 63 kW

Combined
system output

250 kW (335 hp)

381 lb-ft

Fuel consumption

7.7 L / 100 km

October 31, 2008

Magna Steyr HySUV update
Magna Steyr gave an update about the ML350 HySUV concept developed with Siemens, including the Magna developed lithium ion battery packs at the recent A3PS. In a mixed urban and extra-urban consumer drive cycle, the HySUV saved about 25%, while weighing around 300 kg more than the ML350 onto which it is based.
October 21, 2008

Continental Starts S400 HYBRID Battery Volume Production
Continental started volume production of the lithium-ion battery packs for the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID at their new plant located in Nuremberg. Continental says they are the world's first manufacturer to start volume production of lithium-ion batteries to be used in hybrid drive cars. Compared with the nickel-metal hydride technology currently in use in hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, offer greater storage capacity. The battery which Continental has developed weighs around 25 kilograms and requires an installation volume of some 13 liters. This allows the electric motor to boost the combustion engine by up to 19 kW, saving fuel during acceleration or when starting off. The battery is charged when the vehicle brakes or decelerates, freewheeling up to a red light, for example. This regenerative braking or recuperation is controlled by the power electronics. Like the integral automatic start-stop function which automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a standstill and switches it on again when starting off, recuperation is included as part of Continental's hybrid modular system which combines all their hybrid technology expertise in a single package. The lithium-ion battery produced in Nuremberg, including the hybrid technology, will be installed as standard in the new Mercedes S400 HYBRID, available from the middle of 2009.
September 24, 2008

Daimler to Show Several Hybrids at IAA Commercial Vehicles
At the upcoming commercial vehicle show in Hannover Daimler Trucks is presenting a number of hybrids, including three Mercedes world premieres, including the Axor BlueTec Hybrid truck, the first hybrid prototype for use in long-distance transport. For local transport applications, Mercedes has equipped the Econic with two hybrid variants: the Econic BlueTec Hybrid with diesel engine, and the Econic NGT Hybrid, a concept with a natural-gas-powered engine. Already in use by customers is the 12-ton Mercedes-Benz Atego BlueTec Hybrid, which DHL is currently testing in Germany.
Making its European premiere is the concept Fuso Canter Eco-D, a light dump truck variant with a futuristic design and hybrid technology. The second generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid has been undergoing customer testing since summer 2008 and consumes up to 40 percent less diesel than a conventionally powered model.
September 20, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Reveals S400 HYBRID Details
Mercedes will exhibit their first hybrid, the S400 HYBRID at the Mondial de L'Automobile in Paris this fall. The 3.5 liter gasoline engine was optimised with new cylinder head, pistons and camshafts, by using the Atkinson cycle, to improve the engine's thermal efficiency and specific consumption, while also slightly increasing the power, resulting in a combined hybrid system power of 220 kW / 299 hp and combined torque of 385 Nm. The S400 HYBRID accelerates to 100 km/h in a mere 7.2 seconds while consuming the promised average 7.9 liters per 100 km, up to 2.2 liters less than the S350 on which it is based. The S 400 HYBRID is produced at the Sindelfingen plant, together with the other S-Class models. The gasoline engine, 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission and electric motor are first put together to form a hybrid module, then delivered to the production line as a unit. The market launch in western Europe is planned for June 2009; China is expected to follow in August 2009 and the USA in September 2009.

S400 HYBRID

3.5 liter V6 engine
Atkinson cycle

205 kW (279 hp)

249 lb-ft

electric motor
7G-Tronic

  15 kW

118 lb-ft

Combined
system output

220 kW (299 hp)

277 lb-ft

Fuel consumption
average (NEDC)

7.9 L / 100 km

September 17, 2008

Mitsubishi Fuso Canter ECO Hybrid now in Japan, Europe
The drive system is based on a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing an output of 92 kW (125 hp) and a torque of 294 Nm - a compact and lightweight power unit in relation to the overall weight. This engine also features exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter. It is combined with an 35 kW electric motor which acts as a generator when braking, as well as a 1.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The batteries are charged by recuperated braking energy. To augment this effect the drive unit is disengaged during braking. Power is transferred by an automated manual transmission. A stop-start function switches the engine off when the vehicle is idling at standstill.
The Canter Eco Hybrid changes its operating mode depending on the driving situation. Electric drive is used when moving off. The diesel engine is switched on in addition when strong acceleration is required, and powers the truck alone when cruising speed is reached. With a net weight of 2.9 t and a permissible gross vehicle weight of 4.5, 6.5 or 7.5 t, the Canter has a high payload despite its hybrid-drive system. After production start in Japan in the summer of 2006 mentioned earlier, it now also entered customer trials at DHL Express in the UK and mail transport at Deutsche Post World Net.
July 24, 2008

Clean and quiet as a whisper through the city
With its second-generation Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid or range extended electric vehicle during a practical operational test conducted with FedEx over a demanding inner-city route in Paris, fuel consumption fell by 40 percent to just 10.1 l per 100 km compared to diesel operation alone. 62 percent of the journey was absolved under electric power only. The developers expect a similar reduction in fuel consumption during the latest trials in the USA. Their realistic assumptions are in part based on earlier trials of the first-generation Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid in New York: in that case fuel consumption fell by 36 percent compared to conventional operation when one third of the route was covered under electric power alone. The Sprinter Plug-In Hybrid was first introduced at the IAA in September 2004 as mentioned earlier.
June 30, 2008

Tesla Motors, Daimler in deal?
Tesla Motors and Daimler agreed on a small technology cooperation, according to Elon Musk, which may lead to a potentially large deal. Potential areas of cooperation could be advanced battery technology, electric drive systems, or Tesla's next generation electric sedan, project WhiteStar. Last September Mercedes was thinking about a cooperation with Tesla Motors as mentioned earlier.
June 14, 2008

UPS Places Largest Order for Hybrid Electric Trucks
UPS ordered 200 diesel electric walk in distribution trucks. The architecture of the van's drive system follows the familiar parallel hybrid principle, and is based on a 900-series (US designation: MBE 900) four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 4.25 liters and an output of 125 kW (170 hp) in a joint venture with an Eaton 44 kW electric hybrid drive. Hybrids are well suited for urban delivery routes with frequent stop-and-gos. UPS also ordered 300 compressed natural gas vans, and 1500 turbodiesel vans, which are well suited for longer distribution routes.
June 5, 2008

Researchers elucidate how lithium ion cells work
MIT researchers Kisuk Kang and Gerbrand Ceder found how the lithium ions inside the battery work. The ions are stored in highly ordered octahedral sites inside the layered oxide of the cell electrode. When charging the cell these ions then hop via intermediate tetrahedral sites into adjacent octahedral sites. The intermediate elevated energy tetrahedral transition state was found to be rate limiting, one factor limiting the cell's performance.
May 24, 2008

ZF Sachs to produce S-Class hybrid module
ZF Friedrichshafen officially inaugurated a new production facility for electric drives in Schweinfurt. The first volume production contract is for the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID. At the present time pilot production has started for release samples. Volume production is to begin in the fourth quarter of 2008. ZF is working on eight series production projects for four manufacturers, with planned launch between 2008 to 2012.

The hybrid drive modules have from 10 to 100 kW as well as a maximum torque of 100 to 1000 Nm, depending on the requirements. Electric drive modules for passenger vehicles, buses and delivery vans can be built. ZF Sachs also builds the electric drive for the Sprinter hybrid and plug-in hybrid test program, and codeveloped with KEN Mannheim and the EPRI.
May 7, 2008

Orion VII New Generation Hybrid Bus update
Daimler Buses North America announces the next leap in diesel-electric hybrid bus technology with the release of an improved driveline configuration in 2010, and the electrification of accessories for deliveries in 2011. The picture shows an Orion VII New Generation bus, an attractive European inspired, redefined city bus operated by MTA New York City.
May 4, 2008

Mercedes unveils Vision GLK BlueTEC HYBRID
In Geneva Daimler presented a sleek Vision GLK BlueTEC HYRBID concept in alubeam blue. It's powered by a four cylinder turbodiesel and 15 kW electric motor sandwiched between automatic and engine. With a combined hybrid system power of 165 kW / 224 hp and combined torque of 560 Nm / 413 lb-ft the GLK rockets to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds while consuming 5.9 liters per 100 km. Market introduction will not be before 2011.
March 1, 2008


S 400 HYBRID lithium ion battery announced at the 2008 Motorshow in Geneva

Continental Launches Production of Lithium-Ion Battery

  • The Powertrain division supplies complete battery and other hybrid components for Mercedes S 400 HYBRID

Hanover/Regensburg. Continental will launch volume production of a high-performance lithium-ion battery for hybrid vehicles at the end of the present year. It will be used in the Mercedes S 400 HYBRID. "This marks an important breakthrough for Continental as supplier of battery systems. In the next few years we will be launching production of further lithium-ion energy storage devices for mild- and full-hybrid and electric-powered vehicles," says Continental Executive Board member Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (far left).
Lithium-ion technology is viewed as the key to the success of the hybrid and electric drive systems in motor vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density, and thus a wider range, than those based on conventional nickel metal hydride technology. The power output of the battery determines the overall performance of the vehicle as well as the potential for lower emissions and for possible fuel savings.
Aside from the lithium-ion battery, Continental also supplies the inverter and the DC/DC converter for the Mercedes S 400 HYBRID. The inverter controls the flow of energy between the electric motor and the hybrid battery. The DC/DC converter is the link between the hybrid battery and the vehicle's standard electric system and thus permits the elimination of the conventional generator.
February 29, 2008

Breakthrough in Battery Technology by Daimler

  • First patented integration of a lithium-ion battery into a series- produced passenger car

  • Available in Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID starting in 2009

  • 25 patents for top technology 'made in Germany'

Daimler AG has achieved a crucial breakthrough in battery technology. The Stuttgart-based automaker is the world's first manufacturer to have succeeded in adapting lithium-ion technology to the demanding requirements of automotive applications. Until now, the technology has been used primarily in consumer electronics. The new battery will be used in the series-production S 400 HYBRID beginning next year. This important technology was possible thanks to 25 patents held by Daimler.
Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, says: "What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry. That is a tribute to our intensive research efforts, which we have been conducting in this area since 1992."
The engineers' success is above all a result of the Daimler-developed integration of the lithium-ion battery into the vehicle's climate control system. This ensures that the battery always works at optimal system temperatures of between 15 and 35°C, which in turn makes it possible for the battery to provide long service life and maximum performance.
The main advantages offered by the newly developed lithium-ion battery are its very compact dimensions and its far superior performance compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries. The weight/power ratio of the entire battery is 1,900 watts per liter (W/L). What's more, the battery stands out by virtue of its high ampere-hour efficiency, long service life, and great reliability, even at very low temperatures. Its high level of safety is the equal of that provided by today's auto batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are ideally suited for use in hybrid vehicles to help reducing fuel consumption. At the same time, the Daimler engineers are investigating to what degree this technology can be applied to other vehicle concepts, such as electric and fuel cell-powered cars.

S 400 HYBRID -- the world's most economical luxury sedan

The S 400 HYBRID consumes only 7.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km in the NEDC, a very low value for this vehicle class and power class, making the S 400 HYBRID the world's most economical luxury sedan -- unrivaled by any gasoline, diesel, or hybrid drive system offered by any competitor. And S 400 HYBRID drivers will still enjoy impressive performance: combined with the hybrid module, the maximum output is 220 kW/299 hp, and the corresponding maximum torque is 375 Nm. The S 400 HYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Even more potential is offered by the combination of clean BlueTEC diesel technology with a hybrid module, a duo that is featured in the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, for example.
February 29, 2008

Lithium Ion Factory for Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid Opens
Johnson Controls Saft opened the new factory in Western France to produce lithium ion cells for the Mercedes S 400 Hybrid. Initially 5000 units are planned per year, and this can be expanded lateron, for example to include other automakers.

"We are the first company to produce the batteries for the automotive industry," said Mary Ann Wright who is general manager of Johnson Controls' hybrid battery business. The joint venture also supplies the cells for the Sprinter Hybrid vans.

Top picture: Quality check at the end of the coating line where the positive and negative ink are applied.

Middle upper: Cathode, separation and anode foils are wound together in the joint ventures' new plant in Nersac.

Middle lower: This machine, part of the automatic production line, welds the cover to the can to close the cell.

Bottom picture: The automatic assembly line inserts the coil into the can and closes the cell.

© JCI, photo credits Saft
February 2, 2008

Evonik updates LITARION® technical datasheets
In addition to the SEPARION® ceramic separation foils mentioned earlier, Evonik also offers LITARION® foils for the anode and cathode of lithium ion cells. Production facilities for the LITARION electrodes are run by Evonik Litarion GmbH in Kamenz/Dresden, Germany, and by the joint venture Evonik Enax Power Lion Technologies (Anqiu) Co. Ltd. in Anqiu, China. Couples are based on LITARION® lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium manganese spinel (LMO) cathode chemistry, hard carbon or graphite anodes, low flammability electrolytes and ceramic (SiO2/Al2O3/ZrO2) separation foils.
General LITARION® data sheet
LITARION® AC 1411 - Premium - High Power
LITARION® AC 3521 - Premium - High Energy
LITARION® AC 3432 - Economy - High Energy
December 15, 2007

Daimler Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles need more R&D
At the electric vehicle symposium in Anaheim California Daimler researchers Dr. Christian Mohrdieck, Dr. Andreas Truckenbrodt and Prof. Karl E. Noreika presented a paper titled: "Plug-In Hybrids - Promise, Hype or the Solution?". They summarised the status of Plug-In Hybrids thusly:

  • The key component for the success of Plug-In Technology is the Li-Ion battery. Lifetime, cost and safety are the main critical areas which need substantial improvement.

  • Operation of a PHEV can reduce fuel consumption and hence save costs. However these savings are outweighed by the initial costs of the battery.

  • Batteries that fulfill the special requirement of high energy and high power density for Plug-In vehicles are not yet available. Further research and development is required and will take several years.

  • Daimler's Plug-In-Hybrid Sprinters are in normal operation in a test fleet with customers and help evaluate the technical and the market feasibility for Plug-In-Hybrid vehicles.
    December 5, 2007

Daimler Trucks and Buses Update
Daimler Trucks and Buses issued an extensive update on their commercial trucks and buses. Their focus is on BlueTEC Hybrids.
From left to right: Canter BlueTEC Hybrid, Atego BlueTEC Hybrid, Econic NGT, Freightliner M2 hybrid and Mercedes Citaro G BlueTEC Hybrid Bus
November 12, 2007

Mercedes-Benz may cooperate with Tesla Motors
Wirtschaftswoche. Mercedes head of development Dr. Thomas Weber is thinking about a cooperation with Tesla Motors. Mercedes-Benz is planning to bring a hybrid with Lithium Ion batteries to market and is working with Continental and A123 Systems. Tesla's pioneering lithium ion battery pack has a high energy density, about 55 kWh and 450 kg, using 6831 cells. In the picture Tesla chief engineer Martin Eberhard chats with customer Arnold Schwarzenegger.
September 22, 2007

Saft confirms Lithium Ion batteries for S 400 Hybrid
Johnson Controls Saft in Paris confirmed that it has been selected to supply lithium ion batteries for the Mercedes S 400 HYBRID. The batteries are to be supplied from a new plant in Nersac, France as mentioned earlier. "I am very pleased that the combining of Saft's and Johnson Controls' know-how has led to a first programme of this importance" said John Searle, Chairman of Saft's Management Board.
September 12, 2007

Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Fleet @ IAA 2007
Top row: S 400 BLUETEC HYBRID, E 300 BLUETEC HYBRID
Middle: F 700 DiesOtto HYBRID, S 400 HYBRID, ML 450 HYBRID
Bottom: C 300 BLUETEC HYBRID, S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID
September 11, 2007


when

combustion
engine

combined hybrid system
power + torque

consumption

S400 HYBRID

2009

M272 (V6)

220 kW/299 hp 375 Nm

7.9 l/100 km

gasoline hybrid

ML450 HYBRID

2009

M272 (V6)

250 kW/340 hp 480 Nm

7.7 l/100 km

gasoline hybrid

E300 BlueTEC HYBRID

2010

OM651 (I4)

165 kW/224 hp 560 Nm

5.1 l/100 km

diesel hybrid

S300 BlueTEC HYBRID

2010

OM651 (I4)

165 kW/224 hp 560 Nm

5.4 l/100 km

diesel hybrid

C300 BlueTEC HYBRID

2011

OM651 (I4)

165 kW/224 hp 560 Nm

4.6 l/100 km

diesel hybrid

S400 BlueTEC HYBRID

after 2010

OM642 (V6)

195 kW/265 hp 630 Nm

5.8 l/100 km

diesel hybrid

Maxwell to design ULTRACAPS for Mercedes-Benz Cars
David Schramm, Maxwell's CEO, said the new contract provides for funding from Mercedes to develop a new BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitor cell specifically designed to meet the energy storage and power delivery requirements of one of Mercedes' torque assist and recuperative braking systems. BMW has been researching an X5 with ultracap powered active transmission.
September 10, 2007

ML 450 HYBRID: Mercedes two-mode hybrid introduced
As one of the seven hybrid models at the IAA 2007 Mercedes-Benz is presenting the ML 450 HYBRID, due to be launched on the market in 2009. Its two-mode hybrid system enables electric driving and satisfies the highest comfort demands. With a combined system output of 250 kW (340 hp) and a combined maximum torque of 480 Nm, the ML 450 HYBRID consumes just 7.7 litres per 100 kilometers.
September 6, 2007

Behr develops storage evaporator for stop-start hybrids
From Behr's recent annual press conference: For air conditioning in the stop-start mode of mild hybrids, we are working on so-called storage air conditioning. This involves a cooling battery filled with a latent medium, which is cooled by the refrigerant from the evaporator. For example, if the vehicle is stationary at a red light, the air conditioning compressor is also inactive. The latent medium melts and thus cools the vehicle interior for up to 50 seconds - long enough for an average red-light phase. Behr and BHTC make the PHYSIO CONTROL® shown at left.
August 1, 2007

IAV paper: Dieselhybrid compelling for large vehicles
At the Motor Symposium in Vienna IAV said hybrids are compelling for large diesel offroaders. The additional costs are justified by a 15% efficiency gain and enhanced agility. The hybrid levels the load on the diesel. As an example a typical 3 liter SUV diesel engine would be replaced by a 2 liter 4 cylinder in combination with a 50 kW electric motor. With changed engine control, phlegmatising the diesel, not only the consumption can be reduced but nitrogen oxide emissions as well, by 40%, facilitating exhaust cleanup. While electric boosting handles quick dynamic torque requests.
July 31, 2007

Porsche/Audi announce Hybrid SUV with 8.9 liters/100 km
The new Porsche Cayenne hybrid is a parallel hybrid consisting of a high-strength clutch and an electric disc motor sandwiched between the engine's flywheel and the automatic transmission, similar to the 2002 ML270 HYPER and the Sprinter hybrid introduced in 2004.
In electric mode the Cayenne hybrid can drive up to 50 km/h, and 'sail' without combustion engine up to 120 km/h. It uses a 34 kW electric motor and a 69 kg battery in the spare wheel well which is made up of 240 cells and rated at 288 Volts and 38 kilowatts. The system is controlled by an advanced "Hybrid Manager" power controller developed with Bosch and VW.
July 30, 2007

smart fortwo to introduce automatic stop-start
The Hightech Report 2007/1 mentions an automatic stop-start system will first launch on the new smart fortwo by the end of the year and is to be spread to Mercedes models lateron starting with the A- and B-Class. Mercedes studied a belt driven stop-start generator in cooperation with Valeo on the previous generation smart fortwo cdi. The automatic stop start is planned for the gasoline powered smart fortwo models and stops the engine when waiting at a red light to reduce emissions and to enhance efficiency. The system restarts the engine automatically once the foot is taken off the brake pedal.
smart fortwo info page
June 21, 2007





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