AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 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[Visio.M all-electric prototype tested near Munich [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/visio-m-all-electric-prototype-tested-near-munich/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/visio-m-all-electric-prototype-tested-near-munich/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/visio-m-all-electric-prototype-tested-near-munich/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Visio.M urban EV prototype

The Visio.M urban electric vehicle, launched last year by BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, is on the road. Well, test site roads anyway, where a prototype of the lightweight EV is being evaluated near Munich.

The car uses carbon fiber and other composite materials to provide what Visio.M's partners say is "the best of both worlds." That means materials that can make a car light enough to minimize electric-power needs but safe enough to drive around the city streets. An anti-lock braking system, specially designed seatbelts and a drivetrain system that cuts weight by about 15 percent are among the car's advancements.

Last spring, BMW and Daimler launched the Visio.M urban EV project with the help of German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF), which provided about $14 million in startup funding. The goal was to develop EVs whose power maxed out at about 20 horsepower and which tipped the scales at less than 1,000 pounds. Check out Visio's press release below.

Continue reading Visio.M all-electric prototype tested near Munich [w/video]

Visio.M all-electric prototype tested near Munich [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdaimlerelectric vehicleevgermanyurbanvisio.mThu, 14 Feb 2013 13:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20461328/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20461328/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/14/visio-m-all-electric-prototype-tested-near-munich/20461328/article-detail.xml 20461328 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/visiofront_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/visiofront.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will be the world's most aerodynamic series production vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-mercedes-benz-cla-class-will-be-the-worlds-most-aerodynami/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-mercedes-benz-cla-class-will-be-the-worlds-most-aerodynami/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/15/2014-mercedes-benz-cla-class-will-be-the-worlds-most-aerodynami/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class - live in Detroit

It may not look it, but the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is aerodynamic as all get out. How slippery is it? Well, the compact sedan has a drag coefficient of 0.23, which will make it the world's most aerodynamic series production car when it goes on sale in the US this September. By comparison, the most recent body update for the Toyota Prius cut the drag coefficient of that hybrid model to 0.25 from 0.26, while the 2013 Nissan Leaf electric vehicle has a 0.28 drag coefficient, down from 0.29 for the 2012 version. The Tesla Model S? 0.24.

The Mercedes CLA-Class was shown off at Detroit's Westin Book Cadillac Hotel before the start of the Detroit Auto Show, but won't see the light of day on the show floor. Instead, the model is officially being unveiled later this week in at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin.

The CLA-Class will have a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder that delivers 208 horsepower. The model is expected to be priced at about $30,000. You can read more about it here.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will be the world's most aerodynamic series production vehicle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerodynamicscdclacla-classdetroitdetroit 2013detroit auto showdrag coefficientmercedes-benzTue, 15 Jan 2013 15:24:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20428775/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20428775/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/15/2014-mercedes-benz-cla-class-will-be-the-worlds-most-aerodynami/20428775/article-detail.xml 20428775 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2014-mercedes-benz-cla628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2014-mercedes-benz-cla628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Renault, Smart deal down the drain?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/renault-smart-deal-down-the-drain/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/renault-smart-deal-down-the-drain/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/renault-smart-deal-down-the-drain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

smart forstars concept

Two years after announcing they would develop a new generation of the Smart Fortwo together, sharing drivetrain and platform technology, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and Renault have reportedly cut the cord, and Smart will go it alone.

According to Britain's Car Magazine, the move was prompted by Renault in order to help trim an R&D budget inflated by costs to develop its own small electric cars, including the Twizy, which is comparable in looks and size to the Smart. Renault will continue working with Daimler to produce a larger four-seater Smart, an updated Forfour, for 2014.

Daimler entered the agreement with Renault after an earlier, similar agreement with BMW broke down. Since then, BMW has formed a satellite company, named simply i, to produce electric cars. The subcompact i3 city car is scheduled to go into production in 2013.

The new Smart Fortwo will be slightly longer and wider than the existing model, and also slightly less eco-friendly, since the diesel motor also is biting the dust, replaced by a normally aspirated three-cylinder, 0.9-liter gas engine. So far, the Fortwo has sold moderately well in North America, where models are priced from $12,490. According to Wards Auto, the top sales market for Smart is China.

A significant percentage of Smart cars in North America are part of Daimler's car-sharing program, called Car2go, in cities including Dallas, San Diego, Miami, Portland, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto.

Renault, Smart deal down the drain? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwelectric vehicleforfourfortwomercedes-benzrenaultsmartTue, 08 Jan 2013 08:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20417274/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20417274/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/08/renault-smart-deal-down-the-drain/20417274/article-detail.xml 20417274 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/smart-forstars-concept-press-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/smart-forstars-concept-press-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTex, B200 CNG named "most environmentally friendly" in class]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/mercedes-benz-m-class-b-class-named-most-environmentally-frien/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/mercedes-benz-m-class-b-class-named-most-environmentally-frien/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/mercedes-benz-m-class-b-class-named-most-environmentally-frien/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Two Mercedes-Benz models, the ML 250 BlueTec 4Matic and the Mercedes-Benz B200 Natural Gas Drive, have been named the most eco-friendly cars in their class by the popular German auto magazine Auto Test, which awarded them the title "Winners in Green."

The environmental car ranking, published annually, is based on a dozen criteria, including fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, manufacturing, recycling and the environmental systems of the manufacturer.

This is the second straight year the ML 250 BlueTec 4Matic has earned the top spot for an SUV, for its energy efficient direct-injection, turbocharged, four-cylinder, 204-horsepower diesel engine. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in nine seconds and get 40 miles per gallon while emitting just 158 g/km of CO2 (combined). It has a range of just over 1,000 miles. 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class models are priced between $81,400 and $177,900.

The Mercedes-Benz B200 Natural Gas Drive features a 156-hp engine that is more than 16 percent more efficient than its predecessors. The model also includes a three-gallon gas tank, which extends the 350-mile range of the natural gas tank. If the natural gas tank goes empty, the vehicle switches automatically to run on regular gas.

The B200 Natural Gas wagon debuted at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. The B200 is available with a manual transmission or the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. It is due to arrive in dealerships in Europe at the beginning of 2013.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTex, B200 CNG named "most environmentally friendly" in class

Mercedes-Benz ML250 BlueTex, B200 CNG named "most environmentally friendly" in class originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 30 Dec 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4maticauto testb200blueteccngdieselmercedes-benzml250natural gasSun, 30 Dec 2012 09:35:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20412161/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20412161/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/30/mercedes-benz-m-class-b-class-named-most-environmentally-frien/20412161/article-detail.xml 20412161 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-mercedes-benz-mlclass628p_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-mercedes-benz-mlclass628p.jpg <![CDATA[German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Audi clean-diesel SUV

Germany's largest automakers are renewing their pitch for their clean-diesel vehicles in the US as a way for consumers to combat high gas prices without having to resort to the (often) even pricier hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen, along with auto-component supplier Bosch, have joined together in a campaign titled: "Clean Diesel. Clearly Better." The project, developed with the German Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA), includes the website Clearly Better Diesel, which outlines the advantages of diesel powertrains in light-duty vehicles, and will be fully unveiled at Detroit's North American International Auto Show next month.

While clean-diesel sales have more than doubled in the US since 2009, they still account for less than three percent of new-car sales in the US. In Western Europe, more than half of the new cars sold are oil burners. In the US, through November of this year, Volkswagen's clean-diesel sales have jumped 32 percent from 2011 to 82,981 units, while Audi's diesel sales are actually down slightly to 6,555 vehicles. Last month, Audi said it will add a clean-diesel option to its A6, A7, A8 sedans as well as its Q5 crossover. Those models are getting a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel that will deliver 240 horsepower. The A8 diesel will start sales in the US next spring, while the others will debut by the end of 2013. The VDA's press release is available below.

Continue reading German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US

German automakers renew push for clean-diesel sales in US originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwboschcampaignclean dieseldaimlerdieselmercedes-benzvolkswagenThu, 13 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401484/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20401484/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/13/german-automakers-renew-push-for-clean-diesel-sales-in-us/20401484/article-detail.xml 20401484 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audidiesel-1355346600_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/audidiesel-1355346600.jpg <![CDATA[Hubject wants to expand EV-charging payment system across Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/hubject-wants-to-expand-ev-charging-payment-system-across-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/hubject-wants-to-expand-ev-charging-payment-system-across-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/hubject-wants-to-expand-ev-charging-payment-system-across-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

hubject

Hubject, the collaboration between a half-dozen German companies that earlier this year proposed a standardized electric-vehicle charging payment infrastructure for Germany, is now thinking even bigger. BMW, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, Bosch and the other companies in the collective are looking to broaden Hubject's efforts across Europe, according to Hybrid Cars.

In fact, Hubject is looking to go even further on the technology front, delivering a system that would allow smartphone-toting electric vehicle owners to exchange QR codes with the charging stations so that they can be charged effectively, wirelessly and credit-card-lessly across the continent with its so-called eRoaming service.

Granted, such a system doesn't address the issue of European automakers favoring one type of charging system and the Japanese favoring another. And now, even the Europeans themselves are fractured on compatibility standards, with the Germans pushing for the Type-2 system and the French lobbying for the Type-3 standards. But at least Hubject could clear up the payment situation once all that is worked out, so we have that going for us.

Hubject wants to expand EV-charging payment system across Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwchargingdaimlerelectric vehicleeuropegermanyhubjectmercedesMon, 03 Dec 2012 07:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20392565/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20392565/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/hubject-wants-to-expand-ev-charging-payment-system-across-europe/20392565/article-detail.xml 20392565 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hubject-screen-grab_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hubject-screen-grab.png <![CDATA[Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mercedes-Benz will start selling a passenger version of its Vito E-CELL utility vehicles in Europe after unveiling a battery-electric Sprinter van at the International Motor Show in Hanover, Germany.
The Vito E-CELL Crewbus, which the Daimler AG division calls the world's first seven-seat mass-produced battery-electric vehicle, has a single-charge range of about 80 miles and top speed of about 55 miles per hour. The vehicle will be available for four-year, 50,000-mile leases in more than 15 countries throughout Europe, including Finland, Spain and the UK.
The original Vito E-CELL utility vehicle started sales two years ago. Mercedes-Benz says the 230 Vito E-CELLS sold in Germany have been collectively driven more than 400,000 miles.
The battery-electric Sprinter van prototype at the Hanover show will be able to deliver 94 horsepower, with 134 horsepower in short spurts. The vehicle's two lithium-ion batteries provide 35.2 kilowatt hours combined. The Sprinter E-CELL prototype will have a 50-mile-per-hour top speed and a payload capacity of more than 2,600 pounds.
Check out Mercedes-Benz's quite lengthy press release below.

Continue reading Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype

Mercedes debuts battery-electric 'Crewbus,' Sprinter EV prototype originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crewbusdaimlere-cellelectric vehiclehanovermercedes-benzsprintervitoSun, 23 Sep 2012 09:18:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20329494/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20329494/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/23/mercedes-debuts-battery-electric-crewbus-sprinter-ev-prototyp/20329494/article-detail.xml 20329494 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb1-1348243567_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mb1-1348243567.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes gives details on B 200 Natural Gas Drive]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/mercedes-gives-details-on-b-200-natural-gas-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/mercedes-gives-details-on-b-200-natural-gas-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/mercedes-gives-details-on-b-200-natural-gas-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz B 200 Natural Gas Drive

Ooh la la!

That's the response Mercedes-Benz is shooting for when it unveils its natural-gas powered B 200 vehicle at the Paris Motor Show later this month.

Mercedes is pitching a five-seater that will cost half as much to refuel as its gas-powered equivalent while emitting 16 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the 156-horsepower B 200 Natural Gas Drive will get the equivalent of about 56 miles per gallon and have a full-tank range of about 300 miles, all while delivering a 0-62 miles per hour acceleration time of 9.1 seconds.

Additionally, the vehicle will feature what Benz calls its "Energy Space" modular body concept, where part of the floor beneath the back seat can be removed to clear more space for natural-gas containers. Mercedes will start selling the Mercedes-Benz B 200 Natural Gas Drive in Europe early next year, though it didn't announce a price. We do have more details in the press release below.

Continue reading Mercedes gives details on B 200 Natural Gas Drive

Mercedes gives details on B 200 Natural Gas Drive originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b 200five-seatmercedesnatural gasparis motor showFri, 07 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20317997/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20317997/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/mercedes-gives-details-on-b-200-natural-gas-drive/20317997/article-detail.xml 20317997 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/b-class-natural-gas_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/b-class-natural-gas.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid priced from $55,800*]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/2013-mercedes-benz-e400-hybrid-priced-from-55-800/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/2013-mercedes-benz-e400-hybrid-priced-from-55-800/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/2013-mercedes-benz-e400-hybrid-priced-from-55-800/#commentsFiled under: ,



Mercedes-Benz has added the E400 Hybrid to the E-Class range for the 2013 model year, and we've now learned that the gasoline-electric sedan will be priced from $55,800, (*) not including $905 for destination. The E400 Hybrid originally debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

The E400 Hybrid comes packed with a 3.0-liter V6 direct-injection engine good for 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, supplemented by an electric motor (rated at 27 hp and 207 lb-ft). Official fuel economy ratings haven't been released for the E400 Hybrid just yet, but preliminary data (and the big ol' number on the side of the car) suggests 24 miles per gallon in the city, 32 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined.

Hybrids not your thing? Never fear - Mercedes-Benz will also sell you the less-expensive E350 Bluetec ($52,200, not including destination) that packs a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 good for 210 hp and 410 lb-ft. The 2013 E350 Bluetec hasn't officially been certified by the EPA just yet, but the 2012 model was rated at 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway (25 combined), and we don't expect those numbers to change.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid priced from $55,800* originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz e-class2013 mercedes-benz e400 hybride-classe400 hybridmercedes-benzTue, 14 Aug 2012 16:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20300801/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20300801/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/14/2013-mercedes-benz-e400-hybrid-priced-from-55-800/20300801/article-detail.xml 20300801 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-2013-mercedes-benz-e400-hybrid628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-2013-mercedes-benz-e400-hybrid628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes planning SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/01/mercedes-planning-sls-amg-e-cell-roadster/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/01/mercedes-planning-sls-amg-e-cell-roadster/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/01/mercedes-planning-sls-amg-e-cell-roadster/#commentsFiled under: ,



If the rumors are to be believed, Mercedes-Benz is planning a roadster version for the SLS AMG E-Cell electric supercar. Dutch newspaper De Telegraph is reporting that Mercedes-Benz is seriously looking at an SLS E-Cell Roadster.

Through the rough translation, we're able to determine the reporting says that following the roll-out of the SLS E-Cell, Mercedes-Benz will see how the fully-electric gullwing sells and then make a decision. "We will see how great the demand becomes," said an undisclosed Mercedes-Benz representative, "We currently have no idea how many people are actually interested."

To refresh your memory, the SLS E-Cell uses four electric motors to generate a combined 526 horsepower and 649 pound feet of torque. With so much torque available from zero rpms, it should achieve a 0-60 time of four seconds.

The SLS E-Cell obviously lacks the standard car's big 6.3-liter V8 up front, and its new powertrain requires a completely different front axle and reworked front aerodynamics. The all-electric powerplant also gets some range-extending assistance from the Mercedes F1 team and its kinetic energy recovery system. We're not sure if the production SLS E-Cell Roadster will come in the same AMG Luminetric Mango as the auto show darling seen above, but we are sure someone will ask for it.

Mercedes planning SLS AMG E-Cell Roadster? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclemercedes-benz sls amgsls amgsls amg e-cellWed, 01 Aug 2012 12:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20290818/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20290818/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/01/mercedes-planning-sls-amg-e-cell-roadster/20290818/article-detail.xml 20290818 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-sls-e-cell_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-sls-e-cell.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/2012-mercedes-e-300-bluetec-hybrid-quick-spin-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/2012-mercedes-e-300-bluetec-hybrid-quick-spin-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/2012-mercedes-e-300-bluetec-hybrid-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaping Past Others In The Premium Hybrid Chase

2012 Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid

It is now clear that gas-electric hybrids, while constantly being refined, are simply never going to gobble up huge slices of any major car market. They are needed, sure, but consumers are already wanting to see what's next, what's even more efficient and more technologically advanced. All the new regular hybrids coming out these days don't really create much excitement since their technology is essentially identical to all of the other parallel hybrids already on sale. So, what is going to keep the hybrid passenger car fires burning brightly and market percentage numbers climbing?

Diesel hybrids. Maybe not in the United States for some length of time, but they are starting to arrive in Europe. PSA Peugeot-Citroën has, at last, started selling Peugeot models with the company's HYbrid4 diesel hybrid system and I've personally enjoyed driving them. Besides the enjoyment factor, the efficiency gains are real.

Now I've have a chance to drive this new Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, and my excitement is palpable because a big mainstream statement like this from a normally conservative Mercedes-Benz is something this movement has needed. Besides the smart thinking behind committing to this effort in general, Mercedes is launching its very cleanly engineered Modular Hybrid System that can now be plunked into nearly any of its models, much like Toyota-Lexus has been doing for years with its Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid

2012 Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz e300 bluetec hybridbluetecdieseldiesel hybride classe-classe-klassee300 bluetec hybridfeaturedmercedes-benzquick spinquickspinMon, 30 Jul 2012 13:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20289242/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20289242/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/2012-mercedes-e-300-bluetec-hybrid-quick-spin-review/20289242/article-detail.xml 20289242 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2012-mercedes-benz-e300-blutec-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2012-mercedes-benz-e300-blutec-qs.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes B-Class E-Cell will get Tesla powertrain]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-will-get-tesla-powertrain/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-will-get-tesla-powertrain/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-will-get-tesla-powertrain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell

Unveiled at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class E-Cell Plus was meant to be a preview of the German automaker's first range-extended electric vehicle. Along with a battery pack to power it for 100 kilometers (62 miles), it was also to feature a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline-burning engine to give it an additional 400 kilometers (248.5 miles). Indeed, a production version was to be shown this past April at the New York Auto Show.

Well, scratch all that. Maybe. If a report over at Automobilwoche is correct, the E-Cell Plus is losing the dino-juice burner and going all-electric. Not only that, they say that the entire powertrain will be supplied by the Tesla Motors.

The reason for pulling the plug on the engine? According to an unnamed spokesperson, zero-emissions vehicles get better ratings and higher incentives than vehicles with a range extender. As the B-Class E-Cell is supposed to be sold in the U.S., this is an important point.

News of a deal with Daimler to supply an entire powertrain for an upcoming vehicle came to light last November, but there have been rumors it might be for an A-Class. One thing we do know: Tesla expects this program to be much larger than its previous Smart ED arrangement or it supply agreement for the Toyota Rav4 EV.

While we wait for an official announcement from Daimler to clear up the situation, let us know in the comments if you'd prefer a Mercedes E-Cell or a Tesla Model S with similar range.

Mercedes B-Class E-Cell will get Tesla powertrain originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-class e-celldaimlerelectric mercedes-benztesla benztesla drivetraintesla mercedestesla powertrainFri, 29 Jun 2012 13:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20268871/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20268871/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/29/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-will-get-tesla-powertrain/20268871/article-detail.xml 20268871 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-plus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mercedes-b-class-e-cell-plus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes A-Class going electric with Tesla's help; for real this time?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/#commentsFiled under: ,

mercedes e-cell

Reports of Mercedes-Benz and Tesla building an electric A-Class together are nothing new. In fact, a fleet of 500 A-Class-based E-Cells was built for Europe. Most recently, a Tesla earnings report revealed that Tesla was still working on an all-electric powertrain for an unnamed EV for Daimler, the evolution of a deal that began when Daimler invested in the Silicon Valley automaker in 2009. The two automakers also worked together on the Smart ED.

So, what's this then in a Dutch website? A report on Groen7 says that "a source at Tesla" has revealed that the previously unnamed EV Tesla is busy with (among other things) is an updated, electric version of the new A-Class, one that will perhaps arrive in 2013. We had previously guessed the secret Tesla-Daimler deal would result in an all-electric B-Class, but being wrong there won't stop us from trying to predict the future again: the hints are present that this next A-Class EV will remain a small-scale project. We hope we're proved wrong.

Mercedes A-Class going electric with Tesla's help; for real this time? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classe-cellelectric vehiclemercedes evteslatesla daimlertesla mercedesWed, 23 May 2012 16:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243787/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20243787/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/mercedes-a-class-going-electric-with-teslas-help-for-real-this/20243787/article-detail.xml 20243787 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/79460014577175616374410c100020_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/79460014577175616374410c100020.jpg <![CDATA[BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG are among a group of more than a dozen private and public entities that are working together on a project designed to speed up the development of urban electric vehicles.

The German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) is providing 10.8 million euros ($14.2 million U.S. at today's exchange rates) in funding for what's being called the Visio.M project. Scientists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) will work with automotive engineers to develop small, city-oriented EVs that have a maximum power of about 15 kW (20 horsepower) and a maximum weight of about 900 pounds (without battery) which would make the car about 45 percent lighter than a Smart ForTwo.

The overall goal here is to develop a car that's light enough to provide a sufficient single-charge urban driving range but strong enough to be as safe as a conventional vehicle.

Of course, the automakers involved already have advanced EV programs. BMW is planning to start selling its battery-electric i3 four-door next year and, earlier this year, started delivering the battery-electric ActiveE, the i3's precursor, to West Coast and East Coast leasing customers. Mercedes-Benz's alt-fuel development has been focused more on diesels and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles, but is also has its E-Cell models.

Continue reading BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project

BMW, Daimler will work together on Visio.M urban EV project originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdaimlerelectric vehicleEVgermanGerman Federal Ministry for Education and Researchgermanymercedes-benzplug-inTechnische Universitaet MuenchenurbanFri, 04 May 2012 11:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230555/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230555/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/04/bmw-daimler-will-work-together-on-visio-m-urban-ev-project/20230555/article-detail.xml 20230555 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/activee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/activee.jpg <![CDATA[SAE Congress: Protean Brabus Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid previews the future *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/sae-congress-protean-brabus-mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/sae-congress-protean-brabus-mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/sae-congress-protean-brabus-mercedes-benz-e-class-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Protean Brabus Hybrid

Protean is back at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress at Cobo Hall this year with a new car showcasing the company's in-wheel motors: a modified Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The car was first seen in Frankfurt last year, and is making its North American debut this week in Detroit.

Protean's principal applications engineer, Tom Prucha, told AutoblogGreen the hybrid uses two in-wheel motors - one in each of the rear wheels - in what Prucha calls a through-the-axle hybrid setup. Both the 2.2-liter diesel engine under the hood and the in-wheel motors power the rear wheels, with the system deciding which powertrain to use at any given moment. The two in-wheel motors add over 200 horsepower and give the car an 0-62 acceleration time of 7.4 seconds while boosting fuel economy by up to 30 percent thanks in part to a 15-kWh lithium-ion battery.

Each in-wheel motor contains more than just the motors: brakes for regen and, unlike some competitors' in-wheel motors, an inverter. Now, putting all of that extra stuff into a wheel adds a lot of unsprung mass, which is usually considered a bad thing. As Ken Stewart, vice president of business development at Protean Electric, says in the video below, the amount of weight that the in-wheel motors add can be tuned out by adjusting other dynamic elements, like mounts, springs and struts. Prucha, too, said that dealing with unsprung mass has a lot to do with the overall weight ratio, not just that it exists. Plus, putting the unsprung mass into the wheels that aren't driving the vehicle helps. Companies that used to scoff at the idea of in-wheel motors are now coming around, Prucha said, adding that in-wheel motors are a question of when, not if.

Even if the negative issues are dealt with, the fact remains that in-wheel motors are not cheap. Prucha said the two in-wheel motors add around $50,000 to the $100,000 cost of a Brabus E-Class. Protean also made an all-electric E-Class, using four in-wheel motors, which would cost over $200,000. Still, that's the model that Brabus is potentially interested in selling, since some customers have expressed interest in buying such a car.

You can watch a video about Protean's motors right below. We rode in the prototype Ford F-150 fitted with in-wheel motors at last year's SAE World Congress and gotta admit, the E-Class looks like a lot more fun.

UPDATE: Prucha clarified to AutoblogGreen that the target price for the in-wheel motors, once production is ramped up in 18 months or two years, is $1,500 to $1,800 apiece. The prices quoted above are speculation about possible prices if Brabus would use the prototype motors.

Continue reading SAE Congress: Protean Brabus Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid previews the future *UPDATE

SAE Congress: Protean Brabus Mercedes-Benz E-Class hybrid previews the future *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz dealers heavily marking up service products? You don't say.

Drivers of Benz's turbodiesel-powered ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic are obliged to periodically refill the vehicle's supply of diesel emissions fluid, which is made up of urea crystals in mineralized water and which is required to turn some of the SUV's exhaust from nitrogen oxides to nitrogen and water, according to The New York Times. Once those fluids run out, the SUV shuts down.

With that prospect in mind, some dealers are charging as much as $32 for a gallon for the fluid that's good for about 1,500 miles, according to the Times. So, with the SUV getting a combined 22 miles per gallon, that equates to an additional 47 cents for each gallon of diesel used. Most Benz buyers won't lose sleep over that, but it certainly offsets much of the $450 a year the EPA says diesel buyers save in refueling costs relative to the gas-powered version of the SUV.

The good news, according to the newspaper, is that stores such as Napa Auto Parts and AutoZone sell jugs of the fluid for about $5.20 a gallon, though a Mercedes-Benz spokeswoman said D.I.Y.-ers lose out on the dealers' flushing out of the system and risk the fluid crystallizing if it sits for two long. Whether that's worth the sixfold mark-up depends on the driver and his or her income-tax bracket.

Mercedes-Benz diesel emissions fluid can cost up to $32 a gallon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueteccrystalsdealersdiesel emissions fluidmarkupmercedes-benzml350ureaTue, 27 Mar 2012 18:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202160/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202160/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/mercedes-benz-diesel-emissions-fluid-can-cost-up-to-32-a-gallon/20202160/article-detail.xml 20202160 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mbml350_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mbml350.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/#commentsFiled under: ,



BMW has its i8, Audi has its R8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz has its SLS AMG E-Cell. The electron-powered, gullwinged coupe will use batteries supplied by SK Innovations that power four synchronous electric motors into developing 525 horsepower and 649 pound-feet of torque. It is predicted to run from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds - that's up from a previously estimated 3.7 seconds.

Mercedes has loosed a little more info on the technology behind the SLS AMG E-Cell. Its powertrain arrangement necessitated a new front axle, so the conventional-powered car's double wishbones have been supplanted by horizontal, pushrod damper struts. Torque vectoring to the motors mounted near the wheels, not on the hubs, aims to keep electric enthusiasm pointed in the right direction. And the Mercedes F1 team has assisted in the kinetic energy recovery system that will help to extend the coupe's as-yet-unannounced range.

When it goes on sale sometime next year, what you see in the gallery of high-res photos will be wrapped in an SLS AMG body enhanced by a carbon fiber spine. See below for the company's press release and have a look at the future in the gallery of high-res photos.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell reveals its inner workings originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mercedes-benz sls amg e-cellmercedes-benzsls amgsls amg e-celltechnologyTue, 13 Mar 2012 19:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20192624/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20192624/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/13/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-e-cell-reveals-its-inner-workings/20192624/article-detail.xml 20192624 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sls-amge-cell-ch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/sls-amge-cell-ch.jpg <![CDATA["Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

daimler f-cell invisible car mercedes hydrogen

The hydrogen-powered Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is not a new car - it's been around the world, as we saw - but it did just get a brand new look: it's been made "invisible."

Two things for the nit-pickers out there: it's not actually invisible and, yes, the whole thing is just a promotional stunt in Germany, a way to highlight that the car, Daimler says, is "invisible" to the environment.

The way it works is that a camera on one side of the car broadcasts a live image to a multitude of LEDs plastered on the other side. So, when you look at the car, you see a representation of what's on the other side. It's similar to what some military research organizations are working on, but this is the first time we've heard of it used on a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Also, technically, the special F-Cell is only half "invisible," since the non-LED side of the car has the camera rig and associated wires. You can see how this works in the video after the jump.

A year ago, Herbert Kohler, Daimler's head of e-drive and future mobility, said he expects fuel cell vehicles to not cost any more than diesel hybrids by 2015. We expect he meant as long as they're not covered by LEDs, anyway.

Continue reading "Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany

"Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG has acquired a 15-percent stake in smartphone application publisher MyTaxi, marking the German automaker's continued willingness to invest in transportation-related businesses that don't actually focus on selling vehicles to customers.

Bloomberg News reported that Daimler's Car2go division, along with Xing AG founder Lars Hinrichs and Deutsche Telekom AG invested about $13 million combined into the company, which makes an application that lets smartphone owners order a taxi with their iPhones or Android devices, the wire service reported, citing an interview with MyTaxi founder and CEO Sven Kuelper. The application, which has been downloaded about 800,000 times, is available for use in about 30 European cities.

With the investment, Daimler continues to take a broader view of personal vehicle demand by acquiring stakes in non-vehicle manufacturing companies. Daimler in 2008 started Car2go, which differs from other car-sharing programs because it does not require the vehicle to be returned to a defined space - i.e., where it was picked up. Instead, as long as the car ends up inside the operating area, drivers are free to leave it in any legal parking space when they are finished with it.

Car2Go operates in Amsterdam; Austin, Texas; Hamburg; Ulm, Germany; and Vancouver. Late last year, car2go added Vienna and San Diego. Washington, D.C. is coming soon.

Daimler buys 15% stake in MyTaxi cab-hailing application publisher originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz plans on selling the B-Class extended-range plug-in vehicle that it premiered last September at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in the U.S., Automotive News reports, citing an interview with Joachim Schmidt, head of the German automaker's sales and marketing division. A production version of the car will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April, PlugInCars reported separately.

The car, known as the B-Class E-Cell, is one of a handful of smaller models Mercedes-Benz will introduce to the U.S. during the next few years as it attempts to boost its domestic fleetwide fuel economy. Schmidt didn't say when the extended-range vehicle would debut in the U.S.

Mercedes-Benz showed off a version of the B-Class E-Cell at Frankfurt last year that included an electric motor and battery that could drive the car as far as 62 miles on electric power alone, and a three-cylinder 1.0-liter gas engine that acts as an on-board generator and an additional power source at higher speeds. The company said the car's powertrain supplied 136 horsepower and gave the car a top speed of 93 miles per hour and a total range of 373 miles.

In addition to the B-Class E-Cell, Mercedes-Benz plans on debuting an A-Class hatchback and a compact SUV in the U.S. by next year, Automobile News said, citing Schmidt. Mercedes-Benz also makes a hydrogen fuel-cell electric version of the B-Class, which has been available for lease in limited numbers in Southern California and is slated for a 2014 model year debut.

Mercedes will sell extended-range B-Class in U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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