Mercedes-Benz today has again detailed one member of their modularly constructed electric car family– the Mercedes BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS. Based on the BlueZERO E-CELL (one of the models unveiled late last year that’s driven only by a battery-powered electric drive), the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS features the same battery powered electric motor but adds a compact 50kW three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. As a result, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS boasts an operating range of up to 600 km, whereas the BlueZERO E-CELL notes an operating range of 200 km.
In terms of operation, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS features a rapid charging option with a capacity of 20 kW, enough power to allow for a 50 km cruising range in about 30 minutes. To achieve full electric charge, a little over an hour is needed, which will then allow the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS to achieve its maximum range of 100 km (using the electric drive only). Charging time with a standard charge cycle at a conventional household outlet with 3,3 kW is approximately 6 hours.
Speaking briefly about the new concept, Prof. Herbert Kohler, Head of E-Drive and Future Mobility and also Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler, notes: "The Concept BlueZERO offers a triple demonstration of the technical maturity of alternative drive systems from Mercedes-Benz. Electric vehicles with battery electric or fuel cell drive systems will not truly be on an equal footing with today’s combustion engine drive systems until the customers are confident that there is a sufficient infrastructure of electricity and hydrogen refueling stations."
