Mercedes-Benz has taken the veil on its all-electric Class A E-Cell electric vehicle production will fall. The company plans to build 500-Class E-Cells and the rental car to selected customers in several European countries including Germany, France and Holland.
The lithium-ion power E-Cell is based on the current A-Class, Mercedes says it offers the same security as the space and comfort of its gasoline brothers.
E-Cell has a range of 124 miles (200 km) on a single charge and can be recharged either via the network (which takes eight hours) or at public charging stations (which takes three).
The rated power is 68 hp engine (50 kW) and 95 hp (71 kW) when the unit (ie for overtaking). The torque is 290 nm. Mercedes claims the E-Cell is good for 0-37 mph (0 to 60 km / h) in 5.5 seconds and 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km / h) in 14 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 93 mph (150 km / h).
The launch of the E-Cell coincides with the planned creation of hydrogen and electric charging infrastructure in the region of Baden-Württemberg in Germany. In cooperation with Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Daimler will provide 700 points of recharge and two to three hydrogen fueling stations in the region in late 2011.
By Tristan Hankins
Profile description and technical data for the A-Class E-CELL
- Locally emission-free, exclusively battery-powered electric vehicle with a range of more than 200 kilometres NEDC (new European driving cycle).
- Five-seater compact car meeting all requirements for everyday use.
- Two liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with 36 kWh storage capacity.
- Battery system location leaving spacious interior and luggage compartment completely unobstructed.
- Power electronics with integrated DC/DC converter for 12-volt supply.
- Front axle drive.
- THERMOTRONIC air-conditioning and pre-start climate control via charging plug.
- Series production run of 500 units to start in autumn 2010.
| Drive system | Electric drive, lithium-ion battery |
| Continuous power rating (hp) | 68 |
| Peak power (boost) (hp) | 95 |
| Rated torque (Nm) | 290 |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 93 |
| Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (s) | 14 |
| Acceleration from 0 to 37 mph (s) | 5,5 |
| Charging time for 100 km range (NEDC) | 8 h from domestic mains socket (230 V) 3 h from wall-box / public charging point (400 V) |
| Range (miles) NEDC | >124 |
| Energy capacity of lithium-ion battery system (kWh) | 36 |
| Payload (kg) *) As per EG directive, including driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg) | 350*) |
| Luggage compartment volume (l) | 435 - 1.370 |
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