Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Daimler to open alt-fuel R&D center in Redford, MI]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/daimler-to-open-alt-fuel-randd-center-in-redford-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/daimler-to-open-alt-fuel-randd-center-in-redford-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/daimler-to-open-alt-fuel-randd-center-in-redford-mi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

With the end of the two-mode hybrid co-development partnership, Daimler has decided that it will not completely withdraw its hybrid engineering back to Germany. Instead, the company will be opening a new engineering office in Redford Township, MI west of Detroit. The new facility will expand its focus beyond just hybrids to all manner of alternative powertrains, including electric drive. The center will be co-located on the same campus with Detroit Diesel which is also owned by Daimler.

The state of Michigan gave Daimler $7.5 million in tax breaks with Redford kicking in some more in order to get the facility. Daimler declines to say how many people will be employed in Redford but the Detroit Free Press previously reported that it would be over 220 engineers and technicians over the next several years.

Gallery: New York 2009: Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid


[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Daimler to open alt-fuel R&D center in Redford, MI originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlermercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz hybrid llcmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzHybridLlcredfordMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Two-mode hybrid joint development disbanded; Ram hybrid coming in 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/two-mode-hybrid-joint-development-disbanded-ram-hybrid-coming-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/two-mode-hybrid-joint-development-disbanded-ram-hybrid-coming-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/two-mode-hybrid-joint-development-disbanded-ram-hybrid-coming-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



The big joint development program formed several years ago between General Motors, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW to develop the two-mode hybrid system for light duty vehicles is over. With all four automakers now having launched or about to introduce versions of the hybrid system, the joint program is being wound down and the Troy, Michigan office where engineers from each company collaborated will be closed by the end of this year. Most of the joint work actually ended last June and many of the staff have already been relocated to other facilities.

The Mercedes ML450 hybrid and BMW X6 ActiveHybrid are both going into production about now using a version of the two mode transmission built by Daimler.

Chrysler, which briefly built a version of the Durango and Aspen SUVs with the hybrid system last year, remains committed to re-launching the system in the Ram pickups in 2010. At this point however, it looks unlikely the planned light duty hybrid will launch anytime soon in the Ram 1500.

[Source: Detroit News]

Two-mode hybrid joint development disbanded; Ram hybrid coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge ram hybridDodgeRamHybridtwo modetwo mode hybridtwo mode hybrid towingtwo mode ramTwoModeTwoModeHybridTwoModeHybridTowingTwoModeRamTue, 27 Oct 2009 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi Fuso delivers hybrid trucks in Europe, getting lithium batteries from SK Energy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/mitsubishi-fuso-delivers-hybrid-trucks-in-europe-to-get-lithium/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/mitsubishi-fuso-delivers-hybrid-trucks-in-europe-to-get-lithium/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/mitsubishi-fuso-delivers-hybrid-trucks-in-europe-to-get-lithium/#commentsFiled under: ,



Mitsubishi Fuso is moving full speed ahead in the hybrid truck market. The Japanese truck maker that is 85 percent owned by Daimler recently made the first deliveries of its Canter EcoHybrid in Europe and is also developing more advanced hybrid and full electric trucks. The Dublin, Ireland-based utility Electric Supply Board has purchased 10 of the hybrid trucks for service use. Another ten trucks are headed for Australian customers soon. The two orders are the first for the truck outside of the Japanese market since its debut in July 2006.

Earlier this year, Daimler declared that Mitsubishi Fuso would be its global center for developing truck based hybrid systems. With that in mind, Fuso has struck a deal with South Korea's SK Energy for a supply of lithium ion batteries. The new advanced batteries would be used in a next-generation hybrid product expected to appear in about two years.

[Source: Reuters, Daimler]

Continue reading Mitsubishi Fuso delivers hybrid trucks in Europe, getting lithium batteries from SK Energy

Mitsubishi Fuso delivers hybrid trucks in Europe, getting lithium batteries from SK Energy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerlithium batteriesLithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batteryLithium-Ionlithium-ion-batteriesLithiumBatteriesLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryMitsubishi FusoMitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus CorporationMitsubishiFusoMitsubishiFusoTruckAndBusCorporationmitusbishi fuso canter eco hybridMitusbishiFusoCanterEcoHybridsk energySkEnergyMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler picks France for full-scale all-electric smart ed prodution in 2012]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/daimler-picks-france-for-full-scale-all-electric-smart-ed-produt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/daimler-picks-france-for-full-scale-all-electric-smart-ed-produt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/daimler-picks-france-for-full-scale-all-electric-smart-ed-produt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


smart ed - Click above for high-res image gallery

Full-scale production of the all-electric smart ed will kick off in Hambach, France in 2012, the same place where small series production will start next month. Daimler announced today that it would invest "a double-digit million euro amount" into the Hambach plant so that the smart ed can "be offered to customers through the smart sales network." The announcement came as French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid the plant an official visit today and said that the French government will chip in about 15 percent of the cost of upgrading the plant. The Hambach plant built aroundn 140,000 Smart ForTwo vehicles last year.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, the Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars who believes that hybrids and pure EVs are a short-term solution on the way to hydrogen, said in a statement that "Emission-free driving in an urban environment is already feasible today." Especially if he means 2012.

Gallery: Second generation smart ed

728796_1321766_4724_3185_09c778_54728795_1321763_4724_3138_09c778_31728688_1321593_4724_3138_09c778_01728689_1321596_4724_3138_09c778_03728792_1321754_4724_3138_09c778_20

[Source: Daimler, Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Continue reading Daimler picks France for full-scale all-electric smart ed prodution in 2012

Daimler picks France for full-scale all-electric smart ed prodution in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdaimler evdaimler smartDaimlerEvDaimlerSmartelectric smartelectric Smart carelectric smart fortwoElectricSmartElectricSmartCarElectricSmartFortwofrancehambachsmart edsmart evsmart fortwoSmartEdSmartEvSmartFortwoThu, 08 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Z: BEVs and hybrids for the near term, fuel cells for the long haul]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like pretty much every major automaker, Daimler is preparing to launch battery electric vehicles in the next few years. However, again like many of its competitors, the German automaker remains unconvinced that batteries will see the kind of technical progress needed to make them a truly viable long-term mainstream option. Like Honda, Toyota, General Motors and Hyundai, (and to lesser degrees, Ford, Nissan and others) Daimler sees the hydrogen fuel cell as the best option for the end game.

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche spoke with Automotive News during the Frankfurt Motor Show and acknowledged that both battery and fuel cell electric vehicles need infrastructure. The fuel cell doesn't have the range or re-energizing time constraints that a battery does. Both directions will require work to get the cost down comparable to existing vehicles, but Zetsche seems unconvinced that batteries will ever get there. Zetsche is also confident that a hydrogen fueling network will be put in place in Europe in the coming years.

Zetsche isn't declaring a winner yet, but highlights the modularization that vehicle electrification brings with it. Because battery and fuel cell vehicles all use the same motors and power electronics for propulsion, it is possible to follow parallel paths while sharing much of the underlying technology.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell


[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

Dr. Z: BEVs and hybrids for the near term, fuel cells for the long haul originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehicleBatteryElectricVehicleDieter ZetscheDieterZetscheFuel CellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellMercedes Benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMon, 05 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler wins award for Citaro FuelCELL bus development]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/daimler-wins-award-for-citaro-fuelcell-bus-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/daimler-wins-award-for-citaro-fuelcell-bus-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/daimler-wins-award-for-citaro-fuelcell-bus-development/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Along with a number of other automakers, Daimler has been working diligently to bring fuel cell technology to the road in real applications, including testing the Citaro FuelCell bus. Since 2003, a fleet of 36 first-generation hydrogen Citaros has been operating with transit authorities across Europe. In that time, the buses have accumulated 135,000 hours of operation and over 1.2 million miles.

Daimler is currently preparing to build a new fleet of 30 examples of its next-generation Citaro FuelCELL. In recognition of these efforts, the environmental ministry of the German state of Baden-Württemberg have presented Daimler with an award for its work. The award was presented at a fuel cell conference in Stuttgart earlier this week. The new buses use the same series hybrid architecture as the Citaro G Bluetec hybrid. The rear wheels are driven by hub motors with a lithium ion battery. The fuel cell operates at constant output, keeping the battery pack charged.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler wins award for Citaro FuelCELL bus development

Daimler wins award for Citaro FuelCELL bus development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz citaro fuel cell busmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMercedesBenzCitaroFuelCellBusSat, 03 Oct 2009 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Diesel to introduce SCR-equipped engines in 2010 after 25 million test miles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/detroit-diesel-to-introduce-scr-equipped-engines-in-2010-after-2/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/detroit-diesel-to-introduce-scr-equipped-engines-in-2010-after-2/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/detroit-diesel-to-introduce-scr-equipped-engines-in-2010-after-2/#commentsFiled under: ,



Come January, when new truck diesel emissions regulations take effect, Detroit Diesel will be ready with updated versions of its DD13, DD15, DD16 engine families. Similar to updated or new truck diesels from General Motors, Ford and Cummins, the motors from Detroit Diesel will incorporate a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. That means they will use a urea injection system in the exhaust stream to convert NOx emissions into water and nitrogen.

Detroit Diesel is owned by Daimler Trucks NA and is able to draw on the German parent company's extensive experience with SCR. Nonetheless, Detroit Diesel has accumulated over 25 million test miles proving out its implementation. In addition to the SCR, DD has optimized the rest of the engine as well to reduce overall fuel consumption by five percent, which will surely be a welcome improvement to truck operators.

[Source: Daimler]




Continue reading Detroit Diesel to introduce SCR-equipped engines in 2010 after 25 million test miles

Detroit Diesel to introduce SCR-equipped engines in 2010 after 25 million test miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerdaimler chryslerdaimler trucksdaimler trucks north americaDaimlerChryslerDaimlerTrucksDaimlerTrucksNorthAmericadetroit dieselDetroitDieselfalsescrselective catalytic reductionSelectiveCatalyticReductionThu, 10 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Daimler and Renault collaborating on four-door Smart]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/report-daimler-and-renault-collaborating-on-four-door-smart/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/report-daimler-and-renault-collaborating-on-four-door-smart/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/report-daimler-and-renault-collaborating-on-four-door-smart/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Reports of a collaboration between Daimler and Renault on a new four-door model to join the Fortwo in Smart dealerships just won't die, leading us to believe there may be a ring of truth behind the rumors. The last time Daimler set out to partner up on a more mainstream Smart, the resulting Forfour - which was based on borrowed underpinnings from Mitsubishi - never met sales expectations and was canceled after a few short years on the market.

Collaborating with Renault on the development of a four-door Smart should help shield Daimler from the high cost of developing a model-specific platform that's unlikely to sell in particularly high volumes. Further, the rumored new model would offer Smart buyers a new option to compete with the new Toyota iQ, which seats up to four occupants despite its diminutive dimensions.

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Daimler and Renault collaborating on four-door Smart originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerdaimler smartDaimlerSmartfour door smartfour-door smartFour-doorSmartFourDoorSmartrenaultrenault daimlerrenault smartRenaultDaimlerRenaultSmartsmartsmart forfourSmartForfourWed, 09 Sep 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler Buses NA tops 3,000 hybrid bus orders]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/daimler-buses-na-tops-3-000-hybrid-bus-orders/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/daimler-buses-na-tops-3-000-hybrid-bus-orders/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/daimler-buses-na-tops-3-000-hybrid-bus-orders/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Hybrid buses are becoming an increasingly common sight in cities around North America and Daimler has grabbed the largest share of the market. Daimler Bus North America has now received orders for over 3,000 of its Orion VII hybrid buses. Over 2,200 of the Orions are already in service, with the single largest population in the New York City area. There, over 1,250 units are prowling the streets.

The Orion VII uses a series hybrid drivetrain developed by BAE systems. Since 2008, the Orions have been using lithium ion battery packs in place of the original nickel metal hydride packs. In a set-up somewhat similar to the Chevy Volt, a Cummins diesel engine drives a generator and the wheels are driven by the electric motor. Unlike conventional buses, the series hybrid has no transmission, eliminating a major maintenance item. The Daimler press release is after the jump.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler Buses NA tops 3,000 hybrid bus orders

Daimler Buses NA tops 3,000 hybrid bus orders originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerdaimler busdaimler bus north americaDaimlerBusDaimlerBusNorthAmericahybrid busHybridBusorionorion hybrid busesorion viiOrionHybridBusesorionviiTue, 08 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[King County Washington orders 500 more Daimler hybrid buses]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/king-county-washington-orders-500-more-daimler-hybrid-buses/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/king-county-washington-orders-500-more-daimler-hybrid-buses/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/king-county-washington-orders-500-more-daimler-hybrid-buses/#commentsFiled under: ,



Hybrid transit bus deployments are picking up steam all across North America. King County, in Washington, has placed an order for 500 new Orion VII diesel-electric hybrid buses from Daimler Buses North America. King County already has an extensive fleet of hybrid buses and the first batch of 93 Orions are due for delivery in mid-2010. OC Transpo in the Canadian capital of Ottawa also ordered 80 more of the hybrid buses, taking its total fleet size to 177 units. With its current in-service hybrid buses and the new orders, there will be over 2,900 Orion hybrids in service in North America, making Daimler the largest supplier here. The Daimler press release is after the jump.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading King County Washington orders 500 more Daimler hybrid buses

King County Washington orders 500 more Daimler hybrid buses originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimler busdaimler hybrid busDaimlerBusDaimlerHybridBushybrid busHybridBusking countyking county metroking county washingtonKingCountyKingCountyMetroKingCountyWashingtonoc transpoOcTranspoorion viiorion vii hybridOrionViiOrionViiHybridottawaMon, 10 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimer: 58 BlueEFFICIENCY models on the market, Road to the Future continues at Frankfort this fall]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/daimer-58-blueefficiency-models-on-the-market-road-to-the-futu/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/daimer-58-blueefficiency-models-on-the-market-road-to-the-futu/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/daimer-58-blueefficiency-models-on-the-market-road-to-the-futu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


click to enlarge

Every now and then, car companies apparently feel the need to release some sort of statement on their overall greener motoring efforts. Daimler did their part with a 3,400-word press release describing how the company's "Road to the Future" is creating cleaner cars now and in the coming years. The short version (you can read the long version after the jump) is as follows:

  • Mercedes-Benz will offer 58 BlueEFFICIENCY models for sale by the end of 2009 (there are 49 vehicles in the image above, in case you were wondering).
  • Daimler is using a three-pronged approach to increasing efficiency: better internal combustion engines, more efficient hybrids, and bringing electric and fuel cell vehicles to market.
  • More information, including updates on "the development of electric mobility," will be coming at the Frankfort Motor Show this fall. Mercedes unveiled its "Road to the Future" concept at the 2007 show.
Much, much more after the jump.

[Source: Daimler]



Continue reading Daimer: 58 BlueEFFICIENCY models on the market, Road to the Future continues at Frankfort this fall

Daimer: 58 BlueEFFICIENCY models on the market, Road to the Future continues at Frankfort this fall originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerdaimler road to the futureDaimlerRoadToTheFuturemercedes-benzroad to the futureRoadToTheFutureTue, 21 Jul 2009 18:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler introduces new Freightliner natural gas truck]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/daimler-introduces-new-freightliner-natural-gas-truck/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/daimler-introduces-new-freightliner-natural-gas-truck/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/21/daimler-introduces-new-freightliner-natural-gas-truck/#commentsFiled under: ,



Daimler's Freightliner truck division is expanding its natural gas offerings with a new Business Class M2 112 NG chassis. The first five chassis are being delivered to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles where they will be used in the drayage fleet. The trucks are powered by Cummins Westport 8.9-liter engines which should provide cleaner emissions than the diesels traditionally used in these applications. Natural gas engines are well suited to applications such as moving cargo around in a port because the trucks stay fairly close to base. As a result, a fueling system can be installed at the depot to service the whole fleet. The Mt. Holly, North Carolina Freightliner plant will produce another 25 natural gas trucks in September to add to the LA port fleet.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler introduces new Freightliner natural gas truck

Daimler introduces new Freightliner natural gas truck originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cngcompressed gas naturalcompressed natural gasCompressedGasNaturalCompressedNaturalGasdaimlerfreightlinerfreightliner cng truckFreightlinerCngTruckTue, 21 Jul 2009 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Two-Mode hybrid may be a one hit wonder for Daimler, BMW]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/two-mode-hybrid-may-be-a-one-hit-wonder-for-daimler-bmw/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/two-mode-hybrid-may-be-a-one-hit-wonder-for-daimler-bmw/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/two-mode-hybrid-may-be-a-one-hit-wonder-for-daimler-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

What started as a very promising collaboration between General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and BMW is looking increasingly like a technological dead end. The two-mode hybrid system originally developed by General Motors' former Allison division for transit buses was to be adapted to light-duty applications by the three (later four after the DCX divorce) automakers. The system, which was designed to provide efficiency benefits at highway speeds as well as in urban stop and go driving, is mechanically complex and very expensive to build.

GM has applied it to many of its full size trucks and SUVs. However, the first Chrysler SUV application was short-lived and Chrysler's only other announced plan is the Ram pickups in 2010.

The Germans, meanwhile, created a repackaged version of the two-mode transmission that will appear in the Mercedes ML450 and BMW X6 later this year. Those will likely be the only applications of the system for the German brands. Future hybrids are likely to use a cheaper, more modular system - possibly derived from the mild hybrid system developed by Daimler and BMW. Both automakers are also looking at other technologies, including battery electrics, as an alternative. The Two-Mode alliance will likely be dissolved by the end of this year.

Gallery: Quick Drive: Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Two-Mode hybrid may be a one hit wonder for Daimler, BMW originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhybrid allianceHybridAlliancetwo modetwo mode alliancetwo mode hybridTwoModeTwoModeAllianceTwoModeHybridMon, 20 Jul 2009 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Evonik-Daimler Li-Ion battery JV to build factory this fall, applications in 2012]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/evonik-daimler-li-ion-battery-jv-to-build-factory-this-fall-app/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/evonik-daimler-li-ion-battery-jv-to-build-factory-this-fall-app/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/evonik-daimler-li-ion-battery-jv-to-build-factory-this-fall-app/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mercedes-Benz concept BlueZero - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next stage of Daimler's efforts to electrify road vehicles will start moving ahead this fall when construction begins on a new battery plant. The plant will be part of the joint venture announced last fall between Daimler and Evonik to develop and produce advanced lithium ion batteries. The first factory for German Accumotive will be located in Kamenz, northeast of Dresden. Production at the new facility will start in early 2011 with the first production applications in Mercedes cars beginning a year later. Evonik isn't saying what the production capacity will be other than it will be ramped up in parallel with electric vehicle production.

The venture will produce battery systems using large format prismatic cells like most other automotive applications. Although Tesla Motors isn't mentioned in the press release, the company may be involved in the development of the battery management systems for these packs.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO


[Source: Evonik]

Continue reading Evonik-Daimler Li-Ion battery JV to build factory this fall, applications in 2012

Evonik-Daimler Li-Ion battery JV to build factory this fall, applications in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerdaimler agdaimler evonikdaimler evonik jvDaimlerAgDaimlerEvonikDaimlerEvonikJvevoniklithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedesbenzWed, 08 Jul 2009 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[German test with certified biodiesel shows great results]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/21/german-test-with-certified-biodiesel-shows-great-results/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/21/german-test-with-certified-biodiesel-shows-great-results/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/21/german-test-with-certified-biodiesel-shows-great-results/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A recent test in Germany attempted to test claims by Neste that its biodiesel is sustainable. The tests involved 14 Daimler vehicles, DHL, the German Post, OMV and the Stuttgart bus company. The test involved about one million kilometers driven with NExBTL biodiesel that were produced from certified palm oil. The results stated that this fuel helped reduce NOx by 15 percent, compared to regular diesel, as well as CO2 emissions by 60 percent. The test measured each step in the production chain to assess its environmental efficiency and found that certified biofuels are the way to go, as there is no point in using biofuels that were produced with too many pesticides or old and polluting machinery.

[Source: Auto News]

German test with certified biodiesel shows great results originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>certified biodieselcertified biofuelCertifiedBiodieselCertifiedBiofuelnestenexbtlSun, 21 Jun 2009 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Baden-Württemberg, Germany gets its first public hydrogen filling station]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/baden-wurttemberg-germany-gets-its-first-public-hydrogen-fillin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/baden-wurttemberg-germany-gets-its-first-public-hydrogen-fillin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/baden-wurttemberg-germany-gets-its-first-public-hydrogen-fillin/#commentsFiled under: ,



The first publicly-accessible hydrogen filling station in the German state of Baden-Württemberg opened this week at Stuttgart Airport. The station is being operated by OMV and was built in cooperation with Daimler and chemical supplier Linde. The new station utilizes Linde's ion-compressor technology and supports both 350 BAR and 700 BAR filling. Aside from Honda's FCX Clarity, which stores hydrogen at 350 BAR, most other automakers have moved to 700 BAR storage which allows for a greater range. The new station is the first such project for OMV, which operates 400 gas stations in Germany.

Daimler is planning to launch low volume series production of the B-Class F-Cell later this year. Linde produces the hydrogen for this station from steam reformation of natural gas which cuts CO2 emissions 30 percent compared to modern diesel engines. Linde is also working on a new process to produce hydrogen from biogenic feedstocks. A pilot production facility using this process should be coming online later this year. The Daimler press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Stuttgart Airport H2 station


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Baden-Württemberg, Germany gets its first public hydrogen filling station

Baden-Württemberg, Germany gets its first public hydrogen filling station originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerhydrogenhydrogen filling stationhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFillingStationHydrogenFuelCelllindeomvstuttgartstuttgart airportStuttgartAirportFri, 19 Jun 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Vancouver 2009: Hydrogen Fuel Cells automotive panel hearts hydrogen, praises EVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/vancouver-2009-hydrogen-fuel-cells-automotive-panel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/vancouver-2009-hydrogen-fuel-cells-automotive-panel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/vancouver-2009-hydrogen-fuel-cells-automotive-panel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



It's unusual to hear many good things about hydrogen vehicles at a conference dedicated to plug-in vehicles. The reverse cannot be said of the pro-hydrogen folks. At the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009 conference here in Vancouver, BC this week, the main message of yesterday's panel discussion on automotive commercialization was that there should be hydrogen vehicles alongside other alternatives, at least in the near term. The benefits of battery-only and hybrid cars in urban driving conditions were praised, but the agreement was that H2 vehicles provide the best replacement for cars if we want to keep using them the way we do today.

Catherine Dunwoody, executive director of the California Fuel Cell Partnership, opened the panel with a big statement:

With fuel cell vehicles, we are clearly past the stage of hype and on to the hard work or making it happen.

In a sense, she's right. Hydrogen vehicles are available today. But to say we're past they hype? Hmmm. Not so sure about that. Listen to Dunwoody:



Much more, including more audio clips, after the jump.

Gallery: Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicles

Continue reading Vancouver 2009: Hydrogen Fuel Cells automotive panel hearts hydrogen, praises EVs

Vancouver 2009: Hydrogen Fuel Cells automotive panel hearts hydrogen, praises EVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>vancouvervancouver fuel cell conferencevancouver hydrogenVancouverFuelCellConferenceVancouverHydrogenTue, 02 Jun 2009 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferdinand Porsche Award goes to lithium battery researchers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/ferdinand-porsche-award-goes-to-lithium-battery-researchers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/ferdinand-porsche-award-goes-to-lithium-battery-researchers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/ferdinand-porsche-award-goes-to-lithium-battery-researchers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for a high res gallery of Lohner-Porsche EVs and hybrids

This year's "Professor Ferdinand Porsche Award" has gone to Dipl. Eng. Michael Keller from Temic Automotive Electric Motors GmbH, Berlin, and Prof. Herbert Kohler from Daimler AG, Stuttgart. The pair won the €50,000 prize for their work on lithium ion batteries for automotive applications. The jury from the Technical University of Vienna acknowledged the importance of batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles as the most significant change to transportation in a century.

Temic is a unit of Continental Automotive Systems. Continental is supplying a lithium ion battery to Daimler for the S400 BlueHybrid that goes on sale this summer and will be one of the first mass produced hybrids to use that type of battery.

The award was established by Ferdinand Porsche's daughter Louise Piech in 1976. Porsche was an early pioneer in the field of battery-powered cars and built what is believed to be one of the first hybrid vehicles around the turn of the twentieth century. In fact, Porsche's first hybrid was a series hybrid or extended range electric vehicle.

Gallery: LA 2007: Lohner-Porsche


Gallery: LA 2007: Lohner-Porsche hybrid


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Ferdinand Porsche Award goes to lithium battery researchers

Ferdinand Porsche Award goes to lithium battery researchers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 28 May 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimlerferdinand porsche awardFerdinandPorscheAwardlithium batterieslithium batterylithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batteryLithiumBatteriesLithiumBatteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatterytemicThu, 28 May 2009 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Trying to find the upside to Tesla-Daimler deal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/24/trying-to-find-the-upside-to-tesla-daimler-deal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/24/trying-to-find-the-upside-to-tesla-daimler-deal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/24/trying-to-find-the-upside-to-tesla-daimler-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Elon Musk and Dr. Thomas Weber with the Tesla Roadster and the smart ed

Not everyone think the big Daimler-Tesla deal announced last week is a win-win. In fact, Jay Yarow over at Business Insider is trying to figure our how either side benefits from Daimler's estimated $50+ million investment in Tesla. Yarow's basic argument is that Tesla didn't get enough to save itself and Daimler "picked up a company that has got one product with weak sales and is about to be saddled with enormous debt." Yarow also thinks that demand for Tesla's cars isn't exactly staggering, and it won't get better because there will be a lot more competition in the all-EV market, a market that Tesla currently dominates by default, in a few years.

Based on the excitement this deal generated, though, it's clear that Daimler got something for its money. Association with one of the leaders in the electric car field is an obvious plus, and there's got to be technology involved in the deal that Daimler wants. Yarow does admit that he's not seeing the whole picture, writing, "We must be missing something, though, because in this market, car companies don't let $50 million walk out the door for no good reason."

Gallery: Daimler Tesla press conference


[Source: Business Insider]

Trying to find the upside to Tesla-Daimler deal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 24 May 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimler tesladaimler tesla dealDaimlerTeslaDaimlerTeslaDealelon muskElonMusktesla batteriestesla daimlertesla daimler battery dealTeslaBatteriesTeslaDaimlerTeslaDaimlerBatteryDealSun, 24 May 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Freightliner introduces first hybrid truck for HazMat transport]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/freightliner-introduces-first-hybrid-truck-for-hazmat-transport/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/freightliner-introduces-first-hybrid-truck-for-hazmat-transport/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/freightliner-introduces-first-hybrid-truck-for-hazmat-transport/#commentsFiled under: ,



Daimler Truck North America's Freightliner division has collaborated with Eaton to produce the first hybrid truck for hazardous material transport. The first Freightliner Business Class M2e is going to propane distribution company Pennington Gas Service. Freightliner has been offering the Eaton hybrid system for other applications for some time and gas company owner Keith Pennington wanted a more environmentally friendly alternative for his fleet.

The hybrid system developed by Eaton is a parallel type that adds electric drive and regenerative braking to the trucks. The system can operate using the diesel engine, or provide electric assist in addition to the regenerative braking. The hybrid system also provides enough power to pump propane from the tank without idling the diesel engine. The first truck is equipped with Telogis fleet tracking system to allow Daimler and Pennington to monitor the performance of the hybrid system in real time. The system is expected to provide a 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Freightliner introduces first hybrid truck for HazMat transport

Freightliner introduces first hybrid truck for HazMat transport originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 20 May 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daimler trucksdaimler trucks north americaDaimlerTrucksDaimlerTrucksNorthAmericaeaton hybridEatonHybridfreightlinerfreightliner hybridFreightlinerHybridpennington gasPenningtonGasWed, 20 May 2009 18:04:00 EST