Mercedes-Benz, the luxury brand of German automaker Daimler AG (NYSE: DAI), announced it will begin selling an S-Class hybrid next year powered by a lithium-ion battery made by Continental AG (CON.DE).
Daimler said it has achieved a crucial breakthrough in battery technology by becoming "the world’s first manufacturer to have succeeded in adapting lithium-ion technology to the demanding requirements of automotive applications."
Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said the lithium-ion battery is integrated into the vehicle’s climate control system, ensuring that it remains at optimal system temperatures of between 15 and 35°C and increasing battery life.
Daimler said the other main advantages offered by the newly developed lithium-ion battery are its compact dimensions and superior performance compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries, like the ones powering Toyota’s Prius hybrids.
According to Daimler, the S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and consumers 7.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km, resulting in CO2 emissions of 190 grams per kilometer.
Daimler said its engineers are investigating to what degree the battery technology can be applied to other vehicle concepts, such as electric and fuel cell-powered cars.
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Need help I have Hybrid 2010 S 400 Mercedes the battery has malfunction.