Mercedes pledges plug-in hybrids with extended range
News
25 Jan 2016
Dr Thomas Weber, head of research and development for Mercedes Benz, has announced the company is working on extending the electric only range of its plug-in hybrid models.
The group’s target is to achieve cars that can travel 60 miles or more before requiring a charging facility, or assistance from the onboard gasoline engine. The second generation Chevy Volt already operates under this capability.
Currently, Tesla automobiles can also achieve 260 miles or more on a single charge. However, ordinarily it is estimated that the average individual drives around 37 miles per day, meaning 60 miles of range is more than enough to get the majority of drivers through their day.
Mercedes aims to deliver 10 plug-in hybrid models by the end of 2017, with Weber promising to ‘then work on the extension of the range based on battery development.’
Weber added: “We are working on plug-in hybrid systems based on the S-Class technology for extended range. The next generation vehicle will overcome the 30km to 50km hurdle and then the next generation after that will be 80-100km when they run as pure electric cars.
It has also been reported that Mercedes will have a battery only electric car on sale by the end of 2018.
