9th
October
2008
Mercedes is planning to offer a hybrid S-class starting in 2009. The S400 BlueHybrid, a mild hybrid powered by M-B’s 3.5-liter V-6, boasts a lithium-ion battery co-developed with supplier Continental and described by Daimler R&D boss Thomas Weber as “a crucial breakthrough.”
Unlike Lexus’s LS600hL, the S400 is not aimed at the performance market. Instead, it uses its hybrid drivetrain solely for the traditional aim of fuel efficiency. Mated in the style of a mild hybrid with a 20-hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the V-6 will turn off while the car is stationary and kick back on when the driver wants the car to move. Under braking, the batteries are charged. The electric motor can’t propel the S400 on its own but assists in acceleration.
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posted in Electric Cars, cars, luxury cars, mercedes benz |
6th
October
2008
After much hype, Nissan’s latest electric car hybrid is finally available for evaluation. Although it’s only expected to go into mass production in time to welcome 2010, it just seems to need very few tweaks here and there to be complete. Drawing in definite conclusions may be a little too bold right now, but the new NSANY looks good, feels good and drives good too. The NSANY is based on the Nissan Cube, a popular model in Japan. The NSANY will be Nissan’s first attempt at introducing hybrid vehicles to the world.
Lithium-ion battery technology will be used in these hybrids, providing significantly improved performance in comparison to the common-use nickel metal hydride batteries. The latest challenge facing Nissan is to start manufacturing emission-free and fuel efficient vehicles affordable to the masses, rather than create performance-engineered vehicles which guzzle fuel at incredible costs. Going green is no longer an option and it’s good to see that even multi-billion dollar industries are chipping in with their contributions to saving the environment.
posted in Electric Cars, Nissan, cars, luxury cars |