Posts with tag: E-cell

Vito Gets E-CELL Version

758050 1381281 800 533 vito 597x285 Vito Gets E CELL Version

You thought Mercedes-Benz’s only interested in selling the battery-powered version of the SLS AMG, didn’t you? Well, that ain’t right. Especially now that the company has just revealed that they’re making an electric version of their Vito van as well, and appropriately calls it the Vito E-CELL. Ring a bell? Well, it ain’t as sophisticated nor frighteningly fast as its super car sibling, the SLS AMG E-CELL, but it does offer the quite same line of benefits—zero emission and independence from a petroleum source for fuel.

Due to hit dealer stores next year, Mercedes-Benz decided to upgrade the Vito’s exterior to be worthy of the electric powertrain. A single 70kW motor that gets power from 16 lithium-ion battery packs will drive it. The power modules, to be located underneath the load area, will allow the Vito to travel a maximum of 130 kilometers (80 miles), after which will require six hours to charge using a 400-volt power source.

There’s no reason to fret about space as the Vito E-CELL retains the same cargo area volume as the diesel version, AND only 50 kilos of payload had been compromised in exchange for the electric powertrain. That means you can still carry as much as 900 kilos of cargo.

Silent glider: The SLS AMG E-Cell prototype in action

Here’s a real treat for you guys. We already gave you a peek at a prototype of the SLS AMG E-Cell. Now, here’s a video that shows it doing what it does best—driving ever so gracefully—courtesy of German magazine Bild who were able to get their hands on the all-electric super car. No, folks—Bild doesn’t translate as ‘envy’ in the English language—although that’s a natural reaction especially if you’re dying and drooling to get down and dirty with Mercedes-Benz’s supercar, much more an electric version of it.

Anyway, it’s an advantage if you’re fluent in German, because the video is riddled with comments in the SLS AMG’s native language. If all you’re armed with is English, then it might help to just listen to the emotions of the driver storytelling his driving impressions. There is a bonus in the video, though. It gives you a peek under the E-Cell’s hood. One look will whet the appetite of gadget geeks out there. Imagine an electronic motor that’s capable of replacing the SLS AMG’s standard 6.2-liter V8 engine. There are plenty of high-voltage wires in the view, which gives you roughly an idea of the power those wires have to handle.

The E-Cell’s interior looks good as well, having a redesigned instrument cluster. As with all high-end electronic devices, the E-Cell’s battery levels and power migration can be viewed along with the navigation system on the display console.

Oh well, you might want to wear sunglasses before viewing the video. The AMG Lumilectric Mango finish may give your eyes a tinge of sweetness and pain rolled into one exhilarating sensation.

The SLS AMG E-Cell in action

Spy Photo: The New Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes Benz 121099550498191600x1060 597x395 Spy Photo: The New Mercedes Benz B ClassMercedes Benz USA is said to be very enthusiastic on the monobox mini-MPV’s design, and some of the automaker’s executives are motivated to put the car out in as many markets as possible. The latest variations are poised to join the standard hatchback in the range, which includes a BMW 1-series sports hatch and a four-door saloon with a much defined sporty look. The new Mercedes B-Class is set to be introduced in 2011, and is possible to be out on the US Market. Latest diesel and petrol engines are also poised to go along the range, while the latest model may also be used as a showcase for alternative fuel technology.

Mercedes-Benz presented to the public their limited B-Class based production type of its all-electric E-cell and hydrogen-powered F-cell. It is said that a hybrid version of the B-Class could also be out for production. The BlueZero model showcased at the Detroit motor show last January shows modifications at the styling of the latest B-Class. The spy shots exhibit a more squared off roofline, which points to a new and bigger C-pillars. Also, the car turned out to be much longer than the present model, which is said to make better its interior room for passengers.

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