2010 Mercedes-Benz Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid

2010 Mercedes-Benz Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid

2010 Mercedes-Benz Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid

2010 Mercedes-Benz Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid

2010 Mercedes-Benz Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid

INTRODUCTION:"The Vision 500 Plug-in Hybrid is a new milestone on our path toward zero-emission mobility. It is a luxurious and safe S-class that offeres superior driving performance while at the same time consuming less fuel than current compacts," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler. "All of this shows that our top models will also be able to combine automotive fascination with responsibility for the environment."

HIGHLIGHTS:In order to achieve the astonishing numbers Mercedes is claiming for the Vision S500, it had to seriously increase the size of the car's lithium-ion battery pack. The battery in the S400 Hybrid only holds 0.9 kWh, and is small enough to fit in the engine compartment. The lithium-ion battery in the Vision S500 has a capacity over 10 kWh, and had to be installed in the trunk of the vehicle. With a bigger battery comes a larger weight penalty as well -- the S500's pack weighs around 286 pounds, while the S400's battery tips the scales at 165 pounds.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• The advanced powertrain combines a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine with an electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries. This unique setup will allow the Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid to travel up to 18.6 miles on electricity alone. A rapid-charge setup allows the car to take a full load of electrons in just 60 minutes, but requires a 20 kilowatt source. A standard household outlet, which supplies closer to 3.3 kilowatts, takes about 4.5 hours to charge the battery.
• When the battery is depleted, the 60-horsepower hybrid module will activate the V-6 engine and allow it to act like a conventional hybrid. A second clutch between the electric motor and combustion engine allows them to operate together or separately.

CONCLUSION: Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid makes its debut later this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the only timetable Mercedes has given for production is to say "it will take some time" to reach consumers.