GENEVA — Daimler is teaming with German supplier Continental on an advanced lithium-ion battery pack — one of the first in the automotive world — for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid.
Most current production hybrid electric vehicles use nickel metal hydride batteries. The lithium-ion battery is smaller, with better performance, but in the past has been plagued by overheating. Mercedes appears to have solved that issue by integrating the battery pack into the vehicle's climate control system, which enables it to maintain battery operating temperatures between 59 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lithium-ion battery will have a long service life, great reliability and a high level of safety, according to the automaker.
Mercedes describes the S 400 BlueHybrid as "the world's most economical luxury sedan," with a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. The gasoline/electric propulsion system has a combined output of 299 horsepower and torque of 277 pound-feet. Acceleration is brisk — zero to 60 mph is achieved in less than 7.3 seconds — with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
Mercedes says its S300 BlueTec Hybrid, which pairs an electric motor with a clean diesel, offers even greater potential for fuel savings.
What this means to you: If this particular breakthrough is for real, look for rival automakers to switch to lithium-ion batteries in short order. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Most current production hybrid electric vehicles use nickel metal hydride batteries. The lithium-ion battery is smaller, with better performance, but in the past has been plagued by overheating. Mercedes appears to have solved that issue by integrating the battery pack into the vehicle's climate control system, which enables it to maintain battery operating temperatures between 59 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lithium-ion battery will have a long service life, great reliability and a high level of safety, according to the automaker.
Mercedes describes the S 400 BlueHybrid as "the world's most economical luxury sedan," with a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. The gasoline/electric propulsion system has a combined output of 299 horsepower and torque of 277 pound-feet. Acceleration is brisk — zero to 60 mph is achieved in less than 7.3 seconds — with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
Mercedes says its S300 BlueTec Hybrid, which pairs an electric motor with a clean diesel, offers even greater potential for fuel savings.
What this means to you: If this particular breakthrough is for real, look for rival automakers to switch to lithium-ion batteries in short order. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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