New Battery For Mercedes Benz
Mercedes Benz has announced that the new S400 BlueHybrid, set to go on sale in Europe mid-2009, will be using a lithium-ion battery. The S400 BlueHybrid will be the first production hybrid to use the lithium-ion technology. It will be powered by a 3.5 Liter V6 engine combined with an electric motor, which is good for 299 hp and 277 lb ft of torque. It hits 0-62 in 7.3 seconds, while still maintaining a low emissions level and 29.7 average mpg.
The S400 will be followed up with a S300 Bluetec Hybrid. The S300’s powertrain will be a combination of a twinturbocharged four cylinder diesel engine and an electric motor. The result is a 221 hp 413 lb-ft torque car capable of 43.6 mpg. As of now theres no date set for the diesel’s release.
Boasting greater efficiency and durability than existing nickel-metal hydride batteries, as used by Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, in its extensive lineup of hybrids, lithium-ion technology has long been established in laptop computers, mobile telephones and small power tools. However, the concern over its longevity and extensive heat build up in large applications, such as those required for modern-day passenger cars, has proven to be a major stumbling block for carmakers. Mercedes-Benz claims to have overcome these problems by integrating the lithium-ion batteries directly into the cooling system of the car to allow them to operate at an optimum temperature of between 59 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
A Word From ImportsGuy: This is a big advancement in hybrid technology, as it paves the way for more efficent and durable hybrid models. The only apparent drawback is that Mercedes is only going to be offering this with the S-class models. And that means if you don’t have deep pockets you may not see this technology till years down the road.
