The Beast:
The all new BlueHybrid from Mercedes comes in the form of the classy S 400 and there is a lot more in this vehicle than what is apparent. The S 400, inside its hood, carries the world’s first commercial Lithium-Ion assisted hybrid engine. The new diesel-electric hybrid engine in the S 400 is the first time a production vehicle has used the Li-Ion technology in such a manner and it comes as great news for the future of hybrid vehicles.
The Machine:
The Li-Ion battery is small and compact without taking up too much space under the hood and assists the conventional diesel powered engine at every possibility. This enables the diesel engine to shutdown as soon as the car hits speeds of 9 mph or less as the electric drivetrain kicks in at this point. This allows the S 4000 BlueHybrid to give a mileage of 29 mpg with the combined engine. It is powered by a modified V6 engine to capitalize on the power of the hybrid drivetrain.
The Thrill:
The hybrid vehicle does not compromise on interiors space or luxury for the sake of better mileage. The S 400 is as classy and elegant as any other conventional Mercedes and comes with a dash of new displays at the dashboard. The Li-Ion battery and the hybrid system are just there to supplement the main diesel power and for now, Mercedes has no plans in making the electric power of the car as the major source.
Via: Cnet
Comments
Is having an Ion operated hybrid vehicle more or less expense?!This kind of car needs painless wiring. I think that this one has high maintenance cost but you have all the great deals a car can give. Less fuel coat and environment-friendly.
It is surely more expensive for now. But the initial cost will be made up when you save gasoline which you would otherwise buy. The technology has a long way to go before it becomes commercially viable. This is just the developmental stage of it all.