Mercedes Benz Obama Green Hybrid Electric Car
MERCEDES-BENZ
ANSWERS DEMAND FOR "GREENER" CARS
Last Week, President Obama ordered an initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He is trying to help the state of California have a waiver granted which allow California to become the first state to impose greenhouse gas limits on new cars being manufactured.
The state of California wants to slash emissions by an average of 30% by the year 2016.
Obama has ordered the Transportation Department to boost fuel-efficiency standards for cars manufactured in 2011.
Just in time, Mercedes-Benz brought with them to the Detroit Auto Show, their three new concept cars that they have developed. They are: the Blue Zero E Cell, the Blue Zero F Cell, and the Blue Zero E cell models. Each car of the series has next generation powertrain engine, which do not create any harmful air emissions whatsoever.
The difference in the Zero models are in how that they are powered. Electric, fuel-cell, or hybrid powertrains, have the capacity to move the car to speeds of 62 miles per hour in less than 11 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz Blue Zero is a relatively small 5- seat, 4 -door, front-wheel drive hatchback. The engine is in the rear of the vehicle.
Here are the differences between the models:
Mercedes-Benz Blue Zero E-Cell Version
Battery powered model
Has a range of 124 miles
Requires a 30 minute charge to operate
A one-hour charge will take you a distance of 62 miles.
Battery pack will charge completely in 2 hours
Mercedes-Benz Blue Zero F-Cell Version
Fuel-cell power
Fueled by compressed hydrogen
Full tank covers 249 miles on a single tank
Mercedes-Benz Blue Zero E-Cell (Plus Version)
A hybrid vehicle
Receives 62 miles from its battery pack, and when batteries run out, a rear-mounted generator begins to run to keep the car going.
Total range on a single tank is 373 miles before needing recharged by gasoline or electricity.
What can be said about the appearance of the Blue Zero Series? They are smallish and look a bit futuristic. They have L-shaped taillights. The battery and fuel cell are pressed into the floor of the car, which improve crash safety and increase interior volume space.
Mercedes-Benz promises to begin a small-scale production of battery-powered vehicles in 2010. It is suspected that the Mercedes-Benz Blue Zero series just may be the platform for the next generation Smart car.
Sources:
1. Road and Track
2. USA Today newspaper, January 27, 2009.
