Not to be outdone, MB announces its own future Super Green vehicle initiatives

[xcel]

MB electric based modular concept to be shown at the 2009 NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show).

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Dec. 15, 2008

BlueZero E-Cell, F-Cell and E-Cell Plus concept.

Mercedes-Benz is following the BEV/FCV/EREV (Plug-in HEV) crowd with its own vision of environmental responsibility with its Concept BlueZERO. Based on a single vehicle platform, this intelligent modular concept allows three propulsion systems to be incorporated. All designed to meet the future of sustained mobility.

The three MB BlueZERO variants are based on the unique single architecture introduced almost ten years ago and originally seen in the European A and then B-Class production models. The difference this time is the inclusion of a slew of alternative drive systems.

"The flexible BlueZERO concept allows “Electromobility” for every requirement and highlights the fact that Mercedes-Benz is the world's only car manufacturer to already have in place all the key technologies for electric cars offering full everyday practicality", says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

BlueZero Modular Concept system capabilities

The BlueZERO E-CELL (BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle) has a possible range of up to 120 miles using an all-electric drive only system.

The BlueZERO F-CELL (FCV - Fuel Cell Vehicle) includes a prospective range of well over 250 miles using a hydrogen powered Fuel Cel powering an electric drive system.

The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS (PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle or Extended Range Electric Vehicle) with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine powering an electric generator (range extender). This version has an overall range of at least 360 miles and can cover a distance of up to 60 miles on its battery alone.

The BlueZERO - flexible design, compact exterior, generously sized interior

All three BlueZERO variants share the same platform. Measuring a touch under 14 feet in length, the BlueZero platform includes seating for five, 1,000 pounds passenger and luggage payload and an exceptionally large luggage capacity of over 17.5 cu. ft.

Compared to BEV’s based on conventional vehicle platforms, the BlueZERO concept offers the following advantages:

• Interior space is retained in full.
• The powertrain built into the floor ensures a low centre of gravity and, consequently, extremely reliable and agile handling.
• Crash safety follows MB class leadership thanks to the housing of major powertrain components between the axles.

All three BlueZERO models are front-wheel drive and feature state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with a total storage capacity of up to 35 kWh (15 kW usable). The compact electric motor with a maximum output of 134 HP (100 HP continuous) a peak torque of 235 Ft. Lb’s. All three variants accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 11 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 93 mph.

LED’s incorporated

The BlueZERO concept tail lamps use a low power consuming all LED design. The front headlights feature a new lens technology to produce "C" shaped daytime driving lights using state-of-the-art LED technology.

Mercedes first fuel-cell cars will be made available on a small scale starting in 2009. Small-scale production of Mercedes-Benz BEV’s will commence in 2010 with the PHEV/EREV’s arriving sometime afterwards.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

I wonder what the pricing will be? When I was over in London a couple of summers ago I discovered that MB produces much more affordable models than I expected -- they only sell their premium vehicles here in the States. I hope these will be at least within the realm of consideration for a large number of people!

[bnther]

The E-CELL PLUS with it's 60 mile range sounds like the best so far. A serious rival, perhaps, for the sure to be over-priced under-performing Volt.

[voodoo22]

I don't know about their lower model cars only sold in Europe, but I'd be very leary of buying a MB product. They use high quality products, but their reliability is often the worst of the German companies.