New Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell with Battery Powered Electric Drive

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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Report: New Audi A3 Range Will Include Four Body Styles, Estimated Start Next Year's Geneva Salon

Audi this year in Geneva Salon gave us a first glimpse of the next generation A3 range with a sports sedan concept packing a powerful 408 horsepower. Now we learn that Ingolstadt manufacturer will return to the show in Switzerland next year with the actual production version of its premium C-segment model.

The third generation of the A3 will be lighter and more efficient than its predecessor, while Audi will expand the range to include more variations.

In an interview with the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Audi said chief designer Stefan Sielaff, company's response to the BMW 1 series and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class "will certainly be recognizable as an A3."

This means that the design of the new model will be an evolution of the current model, the adoption of elements of the brand newest style, like the grille to six points.

Sielaff said the company invests heavily in the new A3 is "the accuracy and quality, so that the customer understands what you spend your money."

The new A3 is the first model to be based on the VW group to the modular architecture new MQB platform that will support a wide variety of models ranging from Polo to the Passat. The new platform is designed for transverse engine application, but it is flexible enough to be used in cars, which vary considerably in size.

This flexibility will also be used for A3, which will be offered in four body styles sporting two different wheelbases. In addition to the three-door and convertible models will measure 4.26 meters long and has a wheelbase 2595 mm long, the range also includes five-door A3 Sportback models and four-door sedan, both with a long wheelbase 2630 mm.

"We basically created by two couples, like the Audi A4 and A5 range," says Sielaff. "The front is the same in all four versions, but the sedan and convertible bonds have a wider wheel arches and a slightly different form of side panels and rear lights."

Sielaff also reveals that the interior of the production version of the A3 is the same as the Shanghai Motor Show, the sans-tron concept and A3 white leather covers the dashboard. Its main features are the four round air vents, center console, integrated into the wider MMI multimedia controls and a pop-up screen at the top of the dashboard.

The new A3 will be approximately 10 percent lighter than its predecessor and other engines, turbo 140hp gain new VW group 1.4-liter TFSI engine with cylinder deactivation system that allows you to work on two cylinders at partial loads, which help reduce the consumption of the new model.

Less than six months that remain before the official launch of the A3 is almost complete. Sielaff, however, until another revelation for Audi plans ". We are the successor of the TT, the new Q7, R8, and the first successor of A4/A5 family"

Story References: Automotorsport

 

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