Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL
Following the B-Class F-CELL fuel-cell car, Mercedes-Benz now introduces the new A-Class E-CELL as its second electric car built in series-production conditions. The five-seater with battery-powered electric drive meets all the requirements for a family car for everyday use. It is based on the five-door version of the current A-Class, and features a generous interior space and luggage compartment for maximum versatility. No compromises have been necessary in terms of space and variability, with compact storage batteries that are located extremely well-protected and in a space-saving way in the vehicle underbase. The car’s two high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries provide a range of over 124 miles (NEDC). The car is powered by a quiet, locally emission-free electric drive with peak output of 95 hp, developing a high torque of 290 Nm. A total production run of 500 A-Class E-CELL cars will be built at Rastatt from autumn 2010. The vehicles will be leased to selected customers in several European countries, including Germany, France and the Netherlands.
Five doors, five seats, the same luggage compartment volume as in the internal combustion engine A-Class (435 to 1370 litres), a 350-kilogram payload measured as per the relevant EC directive and high variability of the interior and luggage compartment: this is what makes the new A-Class E-CELL a family car for everyday use. The sophisticated sandwich structure provides both an extremely comfortable in-car environment and maximum protection for passengers and components in the event of a collision.
“Over our almost 125-year history, we have accumulated extensive experience and know how in the area of electric vehicles, including both battery and fuel-cell. This know how has already provided the basis for getting two electric cars for everyday use onto the road: the smart fortwo electric drive, and the B-Class F-CELL. The story now continues with our third electric car, the A-Class E-CELL., whose start of production is scheduled for autumn this year. The new car is a battery-driven electric Mercedes that enlarges our portfolio and offers our customers the kind of driving pleasure, comfort and safety that they have come to expect”, says Dr Thomas Weber, the Daimler AG Board of Management member responsible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars.
