The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid features a 20kW electric motor and diesel engine capable of producing 170 kW of output. These figures compare favorably to the E 250 CDI currently on European roads, which only produces about 150kW. Fuel economy estimates for the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid peak at 56 miles per gallon, a major improvement over other Mercedes models. Drivers can expect a reduction in fuel consumption of 15% compared to the E 250 CDI. Additional features like start-stop braking, short bursts of all-electric power and an eco-boost mode enhance fuel economy.

Mercedes-Benz appeals to their traditional customers with the E 400 Hybrid. The 225kW drive system includes a 20kW electric motor and a V6 gas engine. The E400 Hybrid achieves fuel economy of 27 MPG with a highway rating of 31 MPG. This four-door sedan maintains much of the styling of previous Mercedes-Benz models. Drivers interested in the brand but concerned about decreased performance from hybrids seem to be the target demographic for this model.

The disparity between the E300 and E400 shows the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde struggle within Mercedes-Benz. The E300 could be the flagship of the company’s green vehicle fleet with a 56 MPG rating and standard features like regenerative braking. This creativity should generate interest from eco-conscious consumers who have been left cold by Mercedes-Benz. The E400 Hybrid stands in stark contrast with fuel economy and power hardly better than the average sedan. Critics have hammered Mercedes-Benz for a lack of commitment to hybrid vehicles that keeps the automaker far from the green vehicle vanguard. An effort to split the difference between fuel-efficient hybrids and luxury sedans could equal weak dividends for Mercedes-Benz.

The retrofitted Vito E-Cell features separate batteries for vehicle operation and refrigeration. A refrigeration unit was installed on the rooftop to maintain the vehicle’s cargo area for maximum storage. A lithium-ion battery with an estimated charge of 10 hours cools this unit. Representatives from Kerstner note that the refrigeration unit, dedicated battery and charging unit reduce cargo capacity by 75 kilograms. This loss of cargo capacity is coupled with slight adjustments in the vehicle profile that allow drivers can park in underground garages and low-clearance ramps.

Mercedes-Benz has stepped carefully into the all-electric van niche with the Vito E-Cell. The automaker has an initial production goal of 2,000 units with only about 400 units produced as of December 2011. A production version of the Vito E-Cell features a 60kW electric motor powered by a 36kWh battery stored under the cockpit. Kerstner estimated that the battery could last up to 3,000 charges or 12 years if the vehicle was recharged 240 days per year. The Vito E-Cell should appeal to parcel delivery services and couriers with an 81-mile range per charge.

Attendees at Solutrans 2011 were treated to hybrid vehicle displays, technical demonstrations and the latest in transportation innovations. Kerstner’s experiment with the Vito E-Cell might be forgotten in the onslaught of auto shows at year’s end but the results are promising. The adaptation of the Vito E-Cell shows companies similar to Kerstner that electric vehicles could suit their purposes with a few tweaks. Mercedes-Benz should follow suit by offering customization services through dealerships and authorized shops in order to attract commercial clientele. This collaborative approach to commercial EV design and maintenance would reduce redundant processes while placing pressure on competing automakers. Kerstner and Mercedes-Benz could push the ball up field for a more open development process in the green vehicle sector.

The European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) has published reports the past six years detailing emissions reductions in the European auto industry. The latest report entitled 2011 Cars & CO2 Report: How Clean Are Europe’s Cars? concludes that automakers in Europe have trimmed carbon emissions by 3.7% compared to 2009 models. The winner in terms of emissions reductions was Volvo Cars with a fleet reduction of 9% from 2009 to 2010. T&E focuses on tailpipe emissions and carbon footprint measured in real-world situations without factoring weight into their analysis.

2011 Cars & CO2 Report analyzed leading automakers by percentage reduction, average emissions and proximity to EU emissions targets. Volvo’s 9% reduction topped the chart with a handful of automakers falling in a range from 2% to 6%. T&E found that Mazda and Honda actually saw increases in their fleet emissions from the 2009 model year. The average vehicle emissions list was led by Fiat (126g/km), Toyota (129g/km) and Peugeot (131g/km). EU emissions standards require average emissions of 130 g/km for each company’s fleet by 2015 with slight variations based on vehicle weight. The report found that Toyota had nearly achieved the 2015 emissions goal last year while Volvo was among the furthest from their goal with an 8% gap to fill.

The success of Volvo Cars in the past year emerged from a focus on clean diesel technology popular among European consumers. The automaker’s V50 DRIVe achieved an emissions level of 99g/km and the V70 DRIVe 119g/km through efficient drive systems. Volvo is currently working on more substantial hybrids and all-electric vehicles though the DRIVe line is Volvo’s strategy for the foreseeable future. The T&E report is likely celebrated within Volvo’s research and management teams though the results show that Volvo had a long way to go before 2010.

T&E’s research seems positive on the whole though the details are disconcerting for automakers that must meet EU guidelines by 2015. Toyota, Peugeot and Fiat represent the only automakers in Europe of the top 15 companies within 5% of the 2015 EU emissions standard. Automakers have pushed hybrid, diesel and alt-fuel vehicles to the fore in the past two years. The questions that remain are whether automakers can introduce more efficient vehicles by 2015 and how emissions can be cut quickly in poor economic circumstances. European corporations and governments may need to invest heavily in eco-friendly vehicles over the next four years to push automakers to expedite green vehicle technology.

The future of automotive technology could resemble the Mercedes-Benz F125! presented during the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This plug-in hybrid concept swaps out diesel for hydrogen while providing more than 600 miles of driving range. The F125! represents the automaker’s view of the industry beyond 2025 though the concept is unlikely to reach the production phase. Mercedes-Benz used the number 125 to honor the progress made over 125 years of automobiles. This research vehicle couples sophisticated drive components, lightweight body construction and driver assistance tools that could appear in the next generation of vehicles.

The F125! combines a 7.5kg hydrogen fuel-cell stack with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 170kW. Mercedes-Benz developed stack architecture with Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) that are integrated into the vehicle’s body. This architecture reduces stack weight significantly, lowers the stack’s center of gravity and ensures safe operation. Designers capped the vehicle’s maximum speed at 137 miles per hour with a potential range of 621 miles. Mercedes-Benz estimated that the F125! can hit 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 4.9 seconds. The projected fuel economy rating for the F125! is 87 miles per gallon.

Mercedes-Benz joined the pack at Frankfurt by highlighting the vehicle’s lightweight body construction. The hydrogen fuel-cell stack offsets weight and aerodynamic concerns thanks to the inclusion of MOFs. The design team developed a production method that combines carbon fiber, aluminum and steel within the body. This innovative approach would allow the F125! to pass European and American safety tests while increasing fuel economy through decreased weight. Mercedes-Benz also noted that the gull-wing doors ensure passenger comfort and fit into the vehicle’s sleek body design.

Visitors to the F125! display were treated to an explanation of driver assistance tools intended for safer travel. The Advanced Driving Assist tool could provide automatic lane shifts based on sudden changes in traffic and road conditions. The Car-to-X communications system would connect the F125! to other vehicles, street signals and public systems through wireless technology. This technology could reduce traffic congestion and simplify daily commutes for drivers. Mercedes-Benz might be the furthest among Frankfurt participants from producing its research entry but the F125! shows the abundant promise of green technology.

The 2010 Silvretta E-Auto Rally last July featured 24 plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles competing on a 104-mile course. This inaugural event finished with a last-second victory by the Audi R8 e-tron. Organizers of the 2011 Silvretta E-Auto Rally on July 7-9th expanded the course as well as the field. The 2011 field featured 36 vehicles such as the Tesla Roadster 2.5, the Peugeot Ion and the Opel Ampera. Notable entrants in this year’s race included Daimler’s seven cars, the Windreich E-Type Series IV and the Brusa plug-in hybrid.

Daimler took advantage of EV advancements in its Mercedes-Benz and smart subsidiaries to dominate the Silvretta field. The German automaker showcased the B-Class F-Cell fresh off a round-the-world demo tour covering 14 countries. The SLS AMG E-Cell slated for sale in 2013 used a 392kW electric drive system to surmount the mountains of Montafon Valley in Austria. Daimler put the smart fortwo electric drive through the paces, representing the company’s most recognizable entrant. The A-Class E-CELL by Mercedes-Benz was demonstrated publicly for the first time during the 2011 Silvretta E-Auto Rally. This vanguard of Daimler vehicles shows the automaker’s recent commitment to green vehicle technology.

Utilities like Brusa and Windreich AG had strong showings during the race through Austria’s hilly passes. Brusa Electronik AG developed a plug-in hybrid version of the VW Golf. This converted Golf used a 150kW electric motor to achieve a per-charge range of 62 miles. Developers at Windreich AG used the Jaguar E-Type Series IV as the body for an electric racer. The utility added a 150kW motor and lithium-ion batteries for 120 miles of range per charge.

The street course used for the 2011 Silvretta E-Auto Rally started in Austria’s Montafon Valley. This 186-mile course cut through the Vorarlberg and Tyrol Provinces. Drivers experienced an altitude change of 3.4 miles from start to finish with some stretches featuring gradients up to 14%. The Austrian utility Illwerke VKW provided infrastructure for the event, which allowed racers to recharge sufficiently to complete the race. Illwerke VKW, Daimler and other participants showed that green vehicles have gone beyond city streets to more challenging terrain. The 2011 Silvretta E-Auto Rally continues a European tradition of road races that will only get greener by the year.

International rental firm Europcar currently serves customers in 143 countries focused in Europe, Africa and Asia. The rental giant announced a partnership with Mercedes-Benz Vans last week that would determine the compatibility of electric vehicles with the needs of vehicle renters. Mercedes-Benz Vans plans delivery of an as-yet-unknown number of Vito E-CELL vans by the end of 2011. This partnership should help Europcar and Mercedes-Benz Vans determine if they can create a global version of the Zipcar model operating throughout the United States.

Europcar and Mercedes-Benz Vans have scheduled trials for the Vito E-CELL starting in Hamburg and Paris. Representatives from Europcar are determined to test all-electric vehicles with typical consumers to assess performance as well as price. Test data should reveal whether daily costs, range per charge and customer experiences intersect at a point where drivers would rent Vito E-CELLs. Mercedes-Benz will work with dealerships in test cities to handle basic maintenance and repairs throughout the partnership. This collaboration could expand quickly thanks to extensive networks operated by Europcar and Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL features a 36kWh lithium-ion battery and a 60kW electric motor. This front-wheel drive van travels up to 81 miles per charge. The Vito E-CELL has a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour electronically restricted to extend battery range. Mercedes-Benz notes that the Vito E-CELL can perform at peak efficiency with a maximum payload of 1,984 pounds. These performance metrics allow Europcar customers to handle tasks ranging from short-range apartment moves to daily commutes in major cities.

Europcar currently offers more than 200,000 rental vehicles at airports and train stations throughout the world. The Paris-based firm has already created a partnership with National Car Rental to provide European models to North American consumers. The addition of Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell to the Europcar fleet is another step toward sustainable transportation. This leading rental company opened an environmental agency in 1999 to determine the firm’s environmental impact. Europcar is recognized as the first European firm to create an environmental charter with certification by Bureau Veritas in 2008. The World Travel Awards issued the 2010 Leading Green Transport Solution Company Award to Europcar. These eco-friendly credentials not only help Europcar attract consumers around the world but allow Mercedes-Benz to leverage the relationship for a greener public image.

The Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT hit European streets in 2007 as part of the automaker’s initial green vehicle development program. This four-door sedan powered in part by natural gas reduced carbon emissions by 20% compared to other Mercedes-Benz models. Another selling point was the 50% reduction in fuel costs and other operating expenses associated with petroleum-powered cars. Mercedes-Benz introduced the next generation of this hybrid luxury car during the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The automaker also announced at the show that the E 200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY will be sold throughout Europe starting in the next quarter.

Designers at Mercedes-Benz developed a hybrid drive system that operates on gasoline or natural gas depending on road conditions. The E 200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY features a 120kW supercharged engine that would not be out of place in a traditional Mercedes-Benz. This engine draws from a standard gas tank as well as three natural gas containers capable of holding 121 liters. Drivers need not worry about changing fuel supplies thanks to the intelligent drive system. Mercedes-Benz noted at the Geneva Motor Show that a pressure sensor and auto shut-off valve alternate between fuel supplies based on driving demands.

Performance metrics announced at Geneva should attract consumers to the E 200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY. Mercedes-Benz noted that this model can travel up to 224 miles on natural gas with a combined range of 454 miles. The combined fuel economy rating of 29 miles per gallon leaves much to be desired though Mercedes-Benz can claim progress compared to past models. Fans of Mercedes-Benz will not be disappointed in estimated engine power with a maximum speed of 139 miles per hour. The E 200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY boasts modest acceleration with a 0-60 time of 10.4 seconds.

The E 200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY builds on the sustainable credentials of its predecessor, giving Mercedes-Benz a strong contender in the green vehicle market. The automaker noted that the BlueEFFICIENCY system along with the use of natural gas reduces fuel consumption by 10% compared to the 2007 model. Mercedes-Benz also indicated that carbon dioxide emissions were cut by 20% compared to the original E 200 NGT. This latest entrant into Europe’s green vehicle race might not take the lead in terms of emissions savings or fuel efficiency but Mercedes-Benz is heading down the right path.

The 2011 North American International Auto Show was packed with announcements by Mercedes-Benz. Earlier this week, we posted an article about the SLS AMG E-CELL sports car presented by the automaker. Mercedes-Benz has also announced a 125-day global tour of the B-Class F-CELL kicking off on January 29th in Stuttgart, Germany. The F-Cell World Drive will feature three units of the B-Class F-CELL that will traverse mountainous roads, dirt trails and freeways throughout the world.

Details of the F-Cell World Drive show that Mercedes-Benz is eager to get hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road. Three B-Class F-CELLs will depart from Stuttgart on January 29th before heading southwest to France, Spain and Portugal. Each vehicle will be delivered to the United States where stops are scheduled from the Northeast to California. Mercedes-Benz plans delivery of the demonstration vehicles to Australia before the final stretch from China to Russia. This journey will conclude at Stuttgart by June 2011 after 20,000 miles of public demonstrations and rigorous testing in 14 countries.

Fuel supplier Linde AG is working with Mercedes-Benz to make the F-Cell World Drive possible. This partner will contribute a fuel truck as a support vehicle to the B-Class F-CELL convoy. Each car is estimated to refuel from empty to full in just over three minutes. Mercedes-Benz is also working with fuel suppliers in Western Europe, California and China to refuel their vehicles throughout the journey. The 250-mile estimated range for the B-Class F-CELL means that the convoy will need to refuel more than 80 times during the journey.

Mercedes-Benz is using the F-Cell World Drive to promote this vehicle ahead of its commercial release in 2015. This global promotional tour will also help the automaker prove that fuel-cell drive systems can stand up in different terrain and climates. A more subtle reason for the F-CELL World Drive is an effort to advocate for a global refueling infrastructure for fuel-cell cars. This last motive for the F-CELL World Drive is particularly important if Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Ford and other automakers want to create a market for fuel-cell vehicles. At present, the United States and Canada only hold 68 hydrogen refueling stations while the rest of the world features 108 stations. Hydrogen fueling stations must spring up by the hundreds over the next decade to allow the B-Class F-CELL to succeed.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG represents the German automaker’s focus on power, style and performance. This sports car features gull-wing doors, a lightweight body and a V8 engine capable of hitting 197 miles per hour. Mercedes-Benz notes that this car can hit 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 3.8 seconds while achieving fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon. Representatives from the automaker presented the E-CELL version of the SLS AMG at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The SLS AMG E-CELL is slated for production in 2013 with targeted sales to consumers in Europe and North America.

Mercedes-Benz has swapped out the V8 engine in the standard SLS AMG with four electric hub motors totaling 392 kW of output. These motors are located adjacent to the wheel wells to reduce energy waste typical in other electric vehicles. The automaker is remaining faithful to the original vehicle’s power, promising a 0-60 MPH speed of 3.9 seconds and a comparable top speed for this model. The SLS AMG E-CELL is powered by a 48kWh lithium-ion battery with 324 cells that are sustained with regenerative braking. This battery pack features intelligent parallel switching to maximize power from individual cells, thus allowing for consistent performance at high speeds. The E-CELL drive system is spread from the front axle to the rear axle to keep the vehicle’s profile low.

Improvements to the vehicle body, steering and braking will allow this sports car to excel on the track. The Magna Steyr aluminum body has been streamlined to eliminate extraneous components that could slow down the vehicle at high speeds. Mercedes-Benz noted that the E-CELL features electro-hydraulic steering that can handle quick maneuvers and sharp turns with little difficulty. The SLS AMG E-CELL will rely on two-piece ceramic brakes that cut down braking distance without sacrificing durability. These brakes are also 40% lighter than the iron brakes used in the standard SLS AMG.

The SLS AMG E-CELL is intended for auto racing teams as well as collectors with some disposable income to burn. Mercedes-Benz prices the SLS AMG at $185,000 in Europe with comparable pricing in the United States during its 2011 release. Pricing for the E-CELL will no doubt exceed $185,000 with the price premium typically placed on electric vehicles. The E-CELL stood out amongst the concept vehicles and futuristic sketches presented at Detroit as Mercedes-Benz built off the reputation of the original SLS AMG.

The Royal Automobile Club of London hosted the first annual London Future Car Challenge on November 6th. This 60-mile race from Brighton to London honors the first road race between the two cities in 1896. Sponsors brought together more than 100 antique cars dating back to 1906 to highlight the origins of the automobile industry. The London Future Car Challenge also featured more than 60 hybrids, electric vehicles and low-emissions vehicles operated by British drivers.

Organizers announced that Jim Holder of What Car? magazine won the overall race using a Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion. Holder noted after his victory that Volkswagen is thrilled by the vehicle’s performance well ahead of its 2012 release. Volkswagen’s all-electric entry won within the EV category, offering a boost to the German automaker. This winning vehicle was greeted by more than 250,000 observers lining the streets of London on a busy Saturday.

Zytek was among the most successful participants in the London Future Car Challenge. This EV designer won the Most Economical and Environmentally Friendly Multi-Purpose EV for a converted Mercedes-Benz Vito taxi. Representatives from Zytek stated that the Vito EV still had about 30% of its battery capacity available upon arrival in London. Zytek also operated an adapted smart EV that maintained about 40% of its battery life after 60 miles.

Visitors to the London Future Car Challenge also saw potential for major improvements in internal combustion engines with the T.25 City Car. Gordon Murray Design entered a gas-powered version of its economy vehicle to much acclaim at the event. The T.25 City Car was able to achieve an estimated fuel economy of 96 miles per gallon thanks to a highly efficient engine and lightweight frame. The Royal Automobile Club conferred trophies to the T.25 City Car for the Most Economical Small Passenger Vehicle and the Most Economical and Environmentally Friendly Small Passenger Vehicle in the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) class.

The London Future Car Challenge was yet another event that demonstrates the current marketability of green vehicle technology. The Royal Automobile Club and its sponsors also placed advancements in hybrids and EVs into perspective with an antique car display. Designers and manufacturers at the beginning of the 20th century experimented with propulsion systems before opting for fossil fuels. Contributions by Volkswagen, Zytek and Gordon Murray Design show that innovators in the 21st century can diversify propulsion options over the next generation.