Eco Friendly Driver

Mercedes-Benz offers first w/ Lithium ion

by Hilary on March 1st, 2008

Wackadoo! Is it possible Daimler beat GM to the punch? With the Chevy Volt supposedly coming out in 2010, General Motors certainly seemed like they were the cutting edge, but they’re efforts are being sniped by none other than … Mercedes-Benz.

The company has solved the overheating problems involved with using lithium ion batteries using an intricate cooling system, and expects their S400 BlueHYBRID to hit US markets late next year. Fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, it’s 299 hp come with low emissions and an estimated 30 mpg.

This will be quickly followed by the release of a diesel-hybrid version of the S300. A sale date has not been announced, but specs indicate the 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder “twin-turbocharged” diesel engine will garner 44 mpg.

Sources:

Daimler, GM Juice up Hybrid Plans

AutoWeek

Share This

Related Stories

Master List of Environmentally Friendly CarsLithium-ion batteries good by October?Better World Club offers Better Roadside Assistance

POSTED IN: Mercedes-Benz