Hybrid Cars, the Prototype of Modern Vehicles
- Author Evy Ritonga
- Published March 8, 2009
- Word count 553
Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off of its first hybrid car for passenger, the S400 Blue HYBRID. Based on the S350, this mild hybrid auto pairs an electric motor/generator and the first lithium-ion battery in a production car with a specially tuned version of the company's 3.5L V6 driving the wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Lithium-ion batteries are ideally suited for use in hybrid vehicles to help reducing fuel consumption and thus also CO2 emissions. At the same time, the Daimler engineers are investigating to what degree this technology can be applied to other vehicle concepts, such as electric and fuel cell-powered cars.
Current hybrid vehicles use nickel-metal hydride batteries, but the lithium-ion alternatives are known to offer greater efficiency, as well as a better overall weight-to-power ratio. The problem with integrating the Li-ion technology was in securing their stability—they became far too hot to be a viable option in a hybrid vehicle. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz has 25 patents it is confident solves the dilemma of battery overheating, whether they stay on target for 2009 is another matter, but we certainly wouldn't doubt them.
The assist from the electric motor gives the S400 an agile feel and more immediate throttle response, although it doesn't feel as strong as our V-8-powered base S-class, the 382-hp S550. The kick from the electric motor is limited to only about 15 seconds because of the relatively small lithium-ion battery pack, and the electric motor only works up to 4000 rpm. But the boost is useful for low-speed acceleration and even in passing maneuvers. In all other driving situations, the S400 feels pretty much like a conventional S350.
Although the electric motor cannot power the S400 by itself, it does allow the gasoline engine to shut off when slowing to speeds below 9 mph, when coming to a stop, and when idling. When stopped, and with the gasoline engine asleep, the lithium-ion battery powers the accessories such as air conditioning as well as the electro-hydraulic steering. When the driver lifts his foot off the brake pedal, the gasoline engine whirs quickly to life without any hesitation or odd vibrations.
Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development says: "What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry. That is a tribute to our intensive research efforts, which we have been conducting in this area since 1992."
With the new S-Class, Daimler has become the first European automobile manufacturer to launch a vehicle with a hybrid engine and the innovative lithium-ion battery. The S 400 Blue HYBRID consumes only 7.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km in the NEDC. This results in very low CO2 emissions of only 190 grams per kilometer, a very low value for this vehicle class and power class, making the S 400 Blue HYBRID the world's most economical luxury sedan
What’s more important to consumers is that the battery pack is installed in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery. This means that the interior space and boot capacity of the S400 remain unchanged. Additionally, thanks to its compact dimensions and modular design, the additional weight of the overall hybrid system including the comprehensive safety systems is only 75 kg or 165 lbs.
For more information about hybrid autos, you can visit CarHybrid.com. There you can find the hybrid news and hybrid review of the best hybrid cars and hybrid vehicles in the world.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Car Shipping
- Legal And Ethical Considerations When Attempting To Find Vehicle Owners
- Maximize Your ATV/UTV Experience with These Top-Rated Accessories
- 2024 GR Supra
- 9 Shock Absorber Manufacturers & Suppliers You Should Know About
- Automated Vehicles Act to Revolutionise British Roads by 2026
- Top 10 Car Check Providers
- What's Behind the Deprecation of Second-Hand Electric Cars?
- Discover the Versatility of the Nissan NP200
- 5 Essential Accessories for Your Campervan Adventure
- Unlocking Your Dream Van: Van Finance Options for Bad Credit
- Ditch the Status Symbol: Why a Non-Status Van Lease is the Smart Choice
- How to Secure Guaranteed Car Finance with Ease
- Comprehensive Guide to Buying Used Cars in Bournemouth: Essential Tips for Buyers
- Behind the Wheel: What to Look for in a Professional Limo Service in New Jersey
- The 455 Cubic Inch Pontiac V8: A Legendary Powerhouse
- IR Coated Solar Infrared Auto Glass & Windshields
- The Secret to Finding the Perfect Ride for Your Personality
- What makes the Volvo V40 a good car to buy
- The Risks and Benefits of Using a License Plate Lookup Service in California
- Vehicle Certificate of Conformity: Ensuring Safety and Compliance
- 10 Normal Cars That Will Turn Anyone Into an Enthusiast
- How to Remove Rust on my Car?
- An Ultimate Guide to Used Car Warranty
- Driving Up Longevity: 12 Top Tips To Extend Your Car's Lifespan
- The Art of Paint Correction: Restoring Brilliance to Your Car's Finish
- What is Car Detailing?
- Car Care and Detailing: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Ride in Pristine Condition
- Can I Put Synthetic Oil in Any Car?
- Ford Mustang Mach E Lowers Pricing and Open For Orders