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

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off its all-electric A-Class E-Cell electric vehicle that will enter production this fall. The company plans to build 500 A-Class E-Cells and lease the car to selected customers in several European countries, including Germany, France and the Netherlands.

The lithium-ion powered E-Cell is based on the existing A-Class and Mercedes claims it offers the same safety, space and comfort of its petrol-powered sibling.

The E-Cell has a range of 124 miles (200 km) on a single charge and can be recharged either through mains power (which takes eight hours) or at public recharging stations (which takes three).

Nominal output from the electric motor is 68 hp (50 kw) and 95 hp (71 kw) when on boost (i.e. for overtaking). Torque is 290 Nm. Mercedes claims the E-Cell is good for 0 - 37 mph (0 - 60 km/h) in 5.5 seconds and 0 - 62 mph (0 - 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 establishment of hydrogen and electric recharge infrastructure in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany. In cooperation with Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Daimler will provide 700 recharge points and two to three hydrogen refilling stations in the region by the close of 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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Special Edition Mercedes A Class: Limited to 5,500 Units

Since Mercedes has nothing truly new to offer on its A-Class subcompact hatch, the German automaker decided to make a special edition version that comes equipped with an array of -yep, you guessed it- special features and extra equipment. On the outside, the A-Class "Special Edition 2009" is characterized by the black radiator louvres, 16-inch titanium silver light-alloy wheels in a new 9-spoke design shod in tires 195/55 R16 and a "Special Edition" badge on the mirror triangle.

Inside, passengers will be greeted by a two-tone color scheme in black and grey, velour floor mats with grey edging and an embroidered Edition label, leather covered multifunction steering wheel, shift/selector lever and parking brake handle and an upgraded audio system with CD player and Bluetooth hands-free.

The special edition version also comes equipped with a Light and Sight package that includes rain sensor, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, an illuminated vanity mirror in the sun visor, separately adjustable reading lights in the rear, a reading light for the driver and illuminated front footwells.

Production of the new A-Class Special Edition 2009 will be limited to 5,500 units.

Mercedes Planning Electric A-Class with Lithium-Ion Batteries for 2011

Citing inside company sources, German newspaper “Automobilewoche” is reporting that Mercedes-Benz will market an electric version of the current A-Class in 2011. According to an unnamed senior manager in the automotive industry, the current generation A-Class’ sandwich construction with its double floor is ideal to fit the batteries without performing any serious modifications to the vehicle.

The newspaper also supports that Mercedes-Benz is currently in talks with Tesla for the supply of the lithium-ion batteries. Compared to nickel hydride units, lithium-ion batteries are not only more powerful but they also weigh less.