2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class: First Drive

Mercedes-Benz bringing first Li-Ion hybrid to market

 
2 2,010 views Feb 29, 2008
Follow Nelson

Mercedes-Benz bringing first Li-Ion hybrid to market

Mercedes-Benz bringing first Li-Ion hybrid to market

Enlarge Photo
Despite their position as technology leaders, hybrid cars have spent the last decade in relative torpor. Battery, motor and design technology are all fundamentally the same as they were when the first Prius debuted over a decade ago. Many car makers have been working on new hybrid technologies, but so far very little has actually made it to the market place. Daimler hopes to change that with its new S400 BlueHYBRID, powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Most of us are familiar with lithium-ion technology - we've been carrying it around in our laptops for years. But the perils associated with lithium-ion batteries, from spontaneous flame-ups to excessive heat generation and temperature sensitivity are equally well-known. Those difficulties, in addition to the high cost of the batteries themselves, are what has kept lithium-ion batteries from coming to market in hybrids so far. But Daimler believes it has engineered solutions to all of these problems, and will be introducing the S400 BlueHYBRID in 2009.

The petrol-powered hybrid posts some impressive figures for such a large and luxurious car: 7.9L/100km (29.8mpg US) fuel consumption and 190g/km CO2. And performance is still more than adequate - with 375Nm of torque and 220kW (299hp) on tap, the dash to 100km/h takes a mere 7.3s. Top speed is limited to 155mph.

There are still some limitations on the battery technology, however. It will work optimally only between temperatures of 15 and 35 degrees Centigrade (59 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit) meaning the energy storage capacity of the batteries above and below that range will be compromised. However, when it is working at full capacity, the battery system stores an impress 1.9kW per liter of storage space, and offers excellent longevity, which means fewer expensive battery replacements over the life of the car.

Although other manufacturers are exploring the use of lithium-ion technology, if Mercedes sticks to its release schedule as planned, it will be the first to market in a series-production road car.



Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (2)

  1. By the gamper Posted: 2/29/2008 4:22pm PST

    Just curious, I know the article says it is a series hybrid, but that sort of power seem more likely from a parallel hybrid??
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. By  Land Rover Bumper Posted: 1/5/2010 3:25am PST

    The Land Rover Bumper never did give names to their cars, instead consistently using letters and numbers to designate the coupes, sedans and the SUVs. With the Infinity Q45 being the flagship sedan, the Infinity found its place in the American market.The Infinity vehicles never did give names to their cars, instead consistently using letters and numbers to designate the coupes, sedans and the SUVs.
    Thanks
    Infiniti parts
    http://www.iautobodyparts.com/land_rover/
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.