Mercedes-Benz to Become First Major Automaker to Offer Diesel-Electric Hybrid
By Scott Doggett January 6, 2010
Mercedes-Benz announced today that an E-class diesel-electric hybrid is in the works, with sales expected to begin late next year.
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet
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Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said the new fuel-efficient car, to be called the E300 Hybrid, uses a specially tuned version of Mercedes' twin-turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine from the E250 CDI.
It combines that powerplant with a brushless electric motor and a lithium-ion battery similar to the one inside the S400 Hybrid.
The new E-class will be a mild hybrid, meaning the electric motor is used to assist the diesel engine rather than propelling the car on its own.
However, the economy of the E300 Hybrid is said to match the figures of a typical small car, at more than 50 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.
Zetsche said that following its debut in the E-class hybrid, the new driveline will appear in the M-, GL- and R-classes, as well as the GLK.
Diesel hybrids have been proposed by various automakers for some time. However, there are some doubts over the real-world benefits of combining hybrid technology with modern, ultra-efficient diesel powertrains.
The argument is that the latest generation of diesel engines are already so efficient that the efficiency and economy benefits of adding a hybrid element to the drivetrain are extremely marginal, especially given the extra weight of these systems and the packaging issues involved.
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Click here to comment on this entry.Was wondering which automaker would combine these two technologies.
Any chance of it coming to the U.S.?
"50 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving."
In the EU cycle, I assume. Much lower in the EPA cycle.
MLH, Merc isn't saying now. Will try to pry a yes or no when I sit down with reps at Detroit show Monday.
BRN, actually 50 mpg is what Merc is giving for EPA cycle. Reps giving 56 for EU cycle. Would be very pleasantly surprised if US figure holds true.
Well, that's interesting. Thanks Scott.
This is very exciting news. I have been waiting for an automaker to combine these for a while. Maybe my mother will finally break down and replace her C350 with a diesel. I can only hope.
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