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The New 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

September 11, 2013 in Daimler, Electric Vehicles, EV News

 Zero emissions – with a star

2014 B-Class Electric Drive. Photo courtesy of Daimler

2014 B-Class Electric Drive.
Photo courtesy of Daimler

September 10, 2013 – MONTVALE, NJ

The all-new 2014 model year Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive makes its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. The Electric Drive shows off a dynamic design, high-quality interior and a high-torque electric motor for completely emission-free driving. This makes for a lively drive with an estimated range of more than 100 miles (200 km). In addition, the B-Class Electric Drive is digitally networked. Thanks to its connectivity, it can be conveniently checked and configured via the internet. As a true Mercedes it also sets high standards in terms of comfort, quality and safety. The B-Class Electric Drive will have its global launch in the USA in mid-2014 and be the first luxury battery electric car from Mercedes-Benz in the market.

The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive surprises with a particularly dynamic driving experience, delivering decidedly brisk acceleration while gliding along the road in near perfect silence. The driver and passengers in this new electric Mercedes will enjoy the familiar comfort of a well designed, high-quality interior offering generous space. The B-Class Electric Drive offers driving pleasure with zero local emissions – in short, electric driving at the premium level.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing: “The B-Class Electric Drive meets the wishes of many customers for emission-free driving without foregoing the hallmark attributes of a Mercedes-Benz, namely: safety, comfort and, of course, not to forget exhilarating driving pleasure.”

Powerful and lively drive system

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventionally powered B-Class, which has become a bestseller in many countries since its market debut in 2011. As a particularly versatile vehicle concept, the B-Class also allows environmentally friendly driving at the Mercedes level – with its innovative electric drive. In the USA, the vehicle will only be introduced with battery electric drive.

Quiet and locally emission-free drive power is provided by an electric motor with more than 174 hp (130 kW). Typically for an electric drive, the maximum torque of 250 lb.-ft. is available right from the first tap on the accelerator pedal – this roughly corresponds to the torque delivery of a modern gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters. This results in decidedly powerful acceleration from a standing start. For the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h), the electric-powered B-Class requires less than eight seconds. This guarantees superior driving performance and highly dynamic, exhilarating driving pleasure in any situation.

The powerful lithium-ion battery is accommodated in the “Energy Space” in the vehicle’s underfloor – both space-saving and safe. Thanks to this intelligent packaging, the five-seater retains the familiar, generous interior and luggage space of the B-Class.

2014 B-Class Electric Drive. Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

2014 B-Class Electric Drive.
Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Emission-free even over longer distances

The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph (160 km/h) – in the interests of operating range. The range is more than 100 miles (200 kilometers), according to the respective driving cycle. This means that in addition to emission-free urban driving and short-range trips, longer journeys can also be undertaken without any problems, such as the distances covered on a daily basis by commuters. The battery of the B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any standard domestic power outlet. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles (100 kilometers) is less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A.

While the car is on the move, the electric drive itself contributes to a favorable energy balance by converting kinetic energy into electric current on the overrun and during braking, and feeds this energy into the battery (recuperation).

Dynamic Mercedes-Benz design

Refined sportiness together with visual appeal – the new B-Class Electric Drive is another example of the self-assured and dynamic Mercedes design, with powerful, tense lines and finely styled details. The front and rear sets the tone for the vehicle’s width, with a wide, prominent front grille, headlamps extending into the vehicle sides, a wide rear window, two-piece tail lamps and a large tailgate with a low loading sill. The side sill panels and striking bumpers with bar-shaped LED daytime running lamps exude dynamic. The charging socket is inconspicuously installed behind the charging flap.

Sporty interior with premium details

The interior underscores the high comfort standards of Mercedes-Benz. Highquality materials and finely structured surfaces, premium details, and precise finishing, emphasize the fact that electric driving is defined at a very high level according to the philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The three large, round air vents in the center with their distinctively designed cross-form nozzles are sporty features that contribute to the emotional design language of the interior. Above the air vents is the display screen for the telematics system which appears to be free-floating – a modern, eye-catching feature of the cockpit.

When it comes to information and communication systems, the B-Class Electric Drive offers convenience and outstanding functionality that is signature luxury typical of Mercedes-Benz. Standard onboard features include the Audio 20 with a 14.7 cm color screen, a twin tuner, an MP3-capable CD player and a USB connection. Navigation is provided by the Becker® MAP PILOT. The multimedia system COMAND Online with internet access, navigation and voice control is available as an optional extra.

Functions specific to electric vehicles have been added to the instrumentation of the B-Class Electric Drive. A power display in the dial instrument has been added on the right. Its needle rises in a clockwise direction from the green to the red area when power is being consumed, and drops below the zero line when the vehicle is feeding recuperative energy back into the battery.

Full connectivity

Its modern technology ensures that the B-Class Electric Drive is not only sustainable (locally emission-free) and agile (because of its high torque and acceleration), but also fully networked. Remote check-up and remote configuration of the vehicle is conveniently possible via the Vehicle Homepage. The driver can easily access his vehicle through the internet, using a PC or smartphone. In this way, it is possible to check the current charge status of the lithium-ion battery or to verify the vehicle’s current range on a map. The planned route can also be displayed, immediately showing whether and where the vehicle can be recharged along the way. The range of services for connectivity is rounded off with a pre-entry climate control option offering individually timed pre-heating or cooling. This advance air conditioning makes the B-Class Electric Drive the unrivalled benchmark in its segment.

Big on safety

Mercedes-Benz applies its familiar, high safety standards to the B-Class Electric Drive. Thanks to the innovative “Energy Space”, the battery is safely accommodated under the floor for crash protection. In addition, Mercedes-Benz already equips this innovative electric car with the radar-based accident warning system COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. This assistance system gives the driver a visual and acoustic warning of recognized obstacles, prepares him for braking action and Daimler Communications, assists him with the braking process as the situation requires. In this way it significantly reduces the danger of a rear-end collision. Additionally, more modern driver assistance systems are available – among them Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Park Assist.

Electric driving made by Mercedes-Benz

Locally emission-free electric vehicles such as the new B-Class Electric Drive are a major part of the Mercedes-Benz strategy for sustainable mobility. The Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer is reasserting its claim to leadership in this sector with electric cars which are fully suitable for everyday use. These include the B-Class F-CELL, and the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive (TBD for USA). The smart fortwo electric drive which launched last year in Europe received a positive response from customers. Since the middle of last year, much more than 1,000 vehicles have been produced and delivered. The all-new smart fortwo electric drive is available in U.S. stores since May 2013. The new B-Class Electric Drive will be available in the USA starting in 2014 and then the European launch will follow.

Preliminary Technical Data

Output more than 174 hp (130 kW)
Torque 250 lb.-ft.
Range 100+ miles [US City], 200 km [NEFZ]
Charging time for a range of     60 miles [US City] (100 km [NEDC]) USA: 2 hours 40 A/240 V     (ECE: 1.5 hours 400V)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 7.9 s
Top speed 100 mph (160 km/h),     electronically limited

Quick Reference Guide: 2014 B-Class Electric Drive:

Customer Availability:

  • B-Class Electric Drive – mid-2014

Performance:

  • 2014 B-Class Electric Drive     (174 hp/130 kW, 250 lb.-ft., 100+ mile range [city])

Standard Feature Highlights:

  • 28 kWh lithium-ion battery
  • Charging time range for 60 miles: 2 hours
  • 0-60 in less than 7.9 seconds
  • COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST w/   Adaptive Brake Assist
  • Audio 20 with 5.8’’ color screen
  • MP3-capable CD player and USB connection
  • Becker MAP PILOT
  • LED daytime running lamp

Optional Feature Highlights:

  • COMAND Online with internet access, navigation and voice control
  • Blind Spot Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Active Parking Assist

This article is a repost, credit: Mercedes-Benz: http://media.mbusa.com/.

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World premiere at the IAA Frankfurt: smart fourjoy, pure urban joie de vivre – also for four in future

September 9, 2013 in Daimler, Electric Vehicles, EV News

Electric smart fourjoy Image courtesy of Daimler

Electric smart fourjoy
Image courtesy of Daimler

Stuttgart/Frankfurt.  More than two seats are also fully in keeping with the smart brand experience: the smart fourjoy proves this. The study has all the typical smart attributes and embodies pure carefree enjoyment of urban life. The compact four-seater is the forerunner of a new smart generation and is celebrating its world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (12 – 22 September 2013).

No doors, no rear window and an open roof – the smart fourjoy dispenses with unnecessary ballast. At the same time this gives viewers an unhindered view of the futuristic interior with its striking rear seat bench in the style of lounge furniture. This means that the vehicle has ample space for four people.

With its compact dimensions (length/width/height: 3494/1978/1494 millimetres) and a turning circle of 9.1 metres the smart fourjoy boasts the agility typical of the brand and is able to show off its strengths, especially in cities around the world. And thanks to the state-of-the-art electric drive with a 55 kW magneto-electric motor the zero-local-emission smart fourjoy offers agile driving performance without any shift delays.

What’s more, the four-seater has inherited many of the genes of the original smart. “The smart fourjoy is the perfect icon of our smart design philosophy that is being carried into a new era. For the first time we are showing the future sporty four-seater character of the new smart family,” says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. “The typical smart silhouette, the clear lines and styling and also the further development of the smart face make this study a modern design icon.”

Numerous design elements are a reference to the first smart model series. These include the extremely short overhangs, the wheels positioned on the four most outer points, the tail lights integrated in the sturdy tridion cell and the spherical instrument cluster.

Dr Annette Winkler, Head of smart, says: “The smart fourjoy is a study that successfully translates the unique design and the urban driving fun of the smart fortwo to an extremely compact four-seater. Numerous details of previous show cars that received very positive feedback have been incorporated in the fourjoy. The exterior proportions already reveal a lot about the appearance of our four-seater production smart which will be launched at the end of 2014 and will also enable families to travel together in a smart.”

The exterior: polished aluminium meets white pearlescent paintwork

The study shows that smart is becoming more grown-up. The deliberately three-dimensional, upright front gives it a very expressive appearance that greets the viewer with a fresh smile that is both friendly and assertive. The smart fourjoy proudly displays the large brand emblem on the front grille.The honeycomb structure of the air inlets on the front and the convex and sensuously shaped body surfaces emphasise the family relationship to the studies smart for-us (Detroit 2012) and smart forstars (Paris 2012).

The extremely pronounced tridion cell is a new feature. On the study it is made of polished full-aluminium and its brilliant bright lustre finish emphasises the premium character of the brand.

The raised smart lettering milled from aluminium on the side skirts is a further sign of the top quality. The pearlescent white on the bumpers, front bonnet and tailgate provides a contrast to the aluminium of the tridion cell. The door mirrors “float” on an aluminium stele.

A look back to the future: as with the first-generation smart fortwo the rear lights are integrated in the tridion cell. Like turbines, cubes have been incorporated into the plexiglass there. The headlamps do not have a glass cover and this reinforces the three-dimensional impression of the U-shaped daytime running lights. LEDs are exclusively fitted in the front and tail lights.

Transparent petroleum-coloured moulded parts emphasise the upbeat character of the study. They are found in the wind deflector at the top of the front windscreen, on the A-pillars on the sides and on the rear roof spoiler. The function and colour are reminiscent of 1990s tennis caps.

The interior: futuristic lounge seats for four

Without doors, a rear window or roof panel the smart fourjoy really brings the city inside. Elements that connect the exterior and the interior are the handles for driver and passenger on the side sills and the openings in the roof structure.

The most striking interior features are the two futuristic-looking front seats and the rear seat bench with a similar design. With their organic, sculptural shape they are reminiscent of modern lounge furniture.

The seat shell has a harmonious design. The rear of the seats is made of dark chrome. A piping-like line winds around the sides of the seats with the same petroleum colour as the plexiglass accents on the exterior. Perforated and smooth surfaces alternate on the vehicle floor. As the floor is dark the seats seem to float.

The seats and the instrument panel are supported by a continuous central structure. It features a convex surface with touch-sensitive operating functions.

The instrument panel gives the impression of depth, and with a honeycomb structure and fading it takes up two themes of the exterior. The solid instrument panel support is made of transparent, illuminated plexiglass into which apertures have been milled. The striking multidimensional honeycomb structure was created by moulding on white plastic with a pearlescent effect in these areas.

The design of the spherical instrument cluster and the single-spoke steering wheel are reminiscent of the original smart. Two smartphones are mounted on the dashboard and on the centre tunnel at the rear for cutting-edge connectivity and tailor-made entertainment for all four passengers.

The drive: driving fun with zero local emissions

The electric drive housed at the rear is based on the current smart fortwo electric drive. Thanks to the 55 kW magneto-electric motor the smart fourjoy is agile and lively to drive.

The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 17.6 kWh. When completely empty it takes a maximum of seven hours to fully charge the battery at a household socket or charging station on the electricity systems of most countries, i.e. overnight. The charging time at a wallbox or public charging station can be shortened to less than one hour with the 22 kW on-board charger and a rapid charging cable.

Image courtesy of Daimler

Image courtesy of Daimler

For the last mile: electric skateboards and helmets

Two longboards are fastened on the roof of the smart fourjoy. With these electrically driven skateboards it is possible to cover short distances in the city without producing any local emissions.

Helmets are stowed under the rear seats. A high-definition camera that is simple to remove is also attached here. This enables longboard riding to be filmed and subsequently shared with friends on social networks.

This article is a repost (news release 9-5-13), credit: Daimler, https://www.mercedes-benz-media.co.uk/smart/.

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Record Sales in May for Hybrid and Plug-In Cars in U.S.

June 5, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) today released the May 2013 Electric Drive Sales Dashboard, showing a record number of hybrid and plug-in vehicle sales in the U.S., continuing the steady market rollout.

Automakers reported that 48,796 hybrids were sold last month, showing a larger increase than the overall automobile sales market.  This brings the total number of hybrids sold this year to 212,711, which is 14 percent higher than year-to-date hybrid sales at this point last year.

7,754 vehicles that can be plugged into the grid were sold in May 2013.  Now with more plug-in hybrid and battery electric models available to American consumers, at prices to match a wider array of budgets, this is the highest sales month since their mass market introduction in late 2010.  Cumulative 2013 year-to-date sales of plug-in vehicles hit 32,305, while overall plug-in sales reached 103,220 in just over two years.

“Surpassing the 100,000 mark for plug-in sales is an important milestone for this industry, but we’re just getting started,” said EDTA President Brian Wynne.  “Consumers and critics alike are experiencing and connecting with these cars, fueling significant growth trends.”

The numbers reveal a compelling narrative for all of the electric drive technologies.  Last month’s sales are more than double the 3,378 plug-in vehicles that were sold in May of 2012, a 130 percent increase over last year.  The 32,305 cumulative year-to-date sales for 2013 is a 123 percent increase over the 14,519 plug-in sales sold up to this point in 2012.  A sales chart and table of these figures is available on the EDTA webpage at www.electricdrive.org.

“With constantly advancing technology and building consumer confidence, the electric drive industry is well positioned to carry this momentum forward,” Wynne continued.  “It’s no surprise that gasoline prices are spiking again, but now motorists have real alternatives to the monopoly fuel.  These cars use far less gasoline than their combustion engine counterparts – or no gas at all.  Not to mention they’re incredibly fun to drive.”

These sales trends will make for a timely conversation at EDTA’s annual conference next week, where leaders and experts from across the supply chain will meet in Washington, D.C.  The conference runs at the Wardman Park Marriott from June 10 12.

About EDTA

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the trade association promoting battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure.  EDTA conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and conferences.  EDTA’s membership includes vehicle and equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, and others.  For more information about EDTA and its members, visit ElectricDrive.org.  For information about owning and operating electric vehicles, please visit GoElectricDrive.com.

About the 2013 EDTA Conference

The premier electric drive event of the year will bring together business, technology, policy, media and academic leaders to provide in-depth understanding and insight into the latest developments and what’s ahead for the electric drive industry.  Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Dr. David Danielson, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for the U.S. Department of Energy will kick off the opening plenary on Tuesday.  The conference program is then packed with industry leaders from the entire supply chain, featuring companies such as Tesla, Ford, Qualcomm, GM, NRG Energy, Dow Chemical and many more.  A Ride, Drive & Charge event will be underway throughout the event, letting attendees take a ride or get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle and learn first-hand how easy it is to charge a plug-in car.  A list of exhibitors, Ride, Drive & Charge schedule a full program can be found on the conference site.

For more information, visit www.electricdrive.org/edtaconference.

This article is a repost, credit: EDTA, http://www.electricdrive.org/.

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Green light for Smart Electric drive in China

April 26, 2013 in China, Daimler, Electric Vehicles, EV News, Smart Electric

Smart Electric Photo courtesy of Smart

Smart Electric
Photo courtesy of Smart

  • Smart is the first European importer to bring a fully electric vehicle onto the Chinese market
  • Smart fortwo electric drive to be launched before the end of the year

Stuttgart. With the new Smart Electric drive, the Smart brand is further expanding its leading position in the field of urban mobility. The Stuttgart-based company will soon be bringing fully electric motoring to China, its third-largest market, where the Smart fortwo electric drive will be available before the year is out. This means that Smart will be the first European importer to sell a fully electric vehicle on the Chinese market. The Chinese government has now given the green light for approval of the zero-local-emission runabout. In Germany, the electric Smart established itself as the market leader among battery-electric vehicles within a very short space of time.

Dr Annette Winkler, Head of Smart says: “Smart has conquered the hearts of our Chinese customers by storm – they appreciate and love Smart because it is the perfect city car. By bringing the Smart Electric drive to the Chinese market we will be the first European importer to introduce a fully electric vehicle in China. Again we are proving our role as the global pacemaker of urban mobility. Our numerous forward-thinking clients in China will be enthusiastic about the Smart Electric drive`s fabulous driving dynamics.”

Urban mobility without any local emissions

Zero-emission motoring with even more driving pleasure – that’s what the new Smart Electric drive promises. All thanks to its powerful drive technology: with 130 Newton metres of torque, the 55 kW electric motor leaves other cars behind when pulling away at traffic lights, passing the 60 km/h mark in less than five seconds. And with a top speed of 125 km/h, the two-seater is also well equipped for urban motorways – a lithium-ion battery with 17.6 kWh provides enough energy to cover a range of 145 kilometres.

Produced at the Hambach plant in France, with an energy accumulator developed by Deutsche ACCUmotive (a joint venture with Evonik) and an electric motor from EM-motive (a joint venture with Bosch), the electric Smart is a true European.

In 2012, more than 1000 Smart electric drive models were produced and delivered to customers in Europe. This year, production of the electric drive will be stepped up continuously in order to satisfy the high demand from customers all over the world.

Smart is now represented in 46 markets worldwide with the brand most recently introduced in Russia. In addition to Germany and Italy, China is one of the Smart’s main sales markets, with sales there increasing by 43.8% in 2012.

This article is a repost, credit: Daimler, http://www.daimler.com/.

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