Mercedes-Benz has built its own Chevy Volt.
Wired reports, "Mercedes-Benz is hopping on the extended-range EV bandwagon with a compact that combines European styling with a Chevrolet Volt-like drivetrain good for 62 miles of all-electric motoring." Like other extended-range EVs, Mercedes' BlueZero E-Cell Concept operates on electric power alone until its battery is depleted to a pre-set level, then activates a small gasoline engine to recharge its battery.
The BlueZero, according to Automobile Magazine, uses a 94 kW electric motor mated to "a small turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine." The combination won't win any performance awards, managing "to scoot from 0-60 mph in under 11 seconds." It may, however, prove even more fuel-efficient and energy-efficient than the Volt. Chevy's car can travel 40 miles under electric power, compared to 62 for the Mercedes - and Mercedes claims the battery "can be charged within 30 minutes to a state that allows 30 miles of EV driving."
The car is simply a concept at this point. It is, however, one of several green vehicle concepts Mercedes has announced in recent months - the most recent was a hydrogen fuel-cell car revealed just this week - showing that the brand is clearly pursuing alternative fuels as part of its future product plans.
Mercedes plans to begin leasing a limited number of fuel-cell cars by the end of 2009. Wired reports, "a battery-electric vehicle will follow next year," though it isn't clear whether the BlueZero concept is that vehicle. Meanwhile, the company's Smart subsidiary "plans to begin producing the electric Fortwo later this year."
The BlueZero Concept will make its public debut later this month at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
