Mercedes Hybrids to Use Lithium-Ion Batteries

Automotive News reports that Mercedes will be the first automaker to introduce a hybrid using lithium-ion battery technology with the debut of the S400 in 2009. It will be powered by a 3.5 V6 gasoline engine teamed with an electric motor in the transmission that’s good for close to a total of 300 hp and 30 mpg. Further…

The S400 will be followed by a second lithium-ion hybrid, the S300 Bluetec Hybrid that will combine a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor. The powertrain will produce 221 hp, 413 lb-ft of torque and a whopping 43.6 mpg, Mercedes says. The S300 hybrid will likely go on sale in North America in 2010.

Continental will supply the electronic modules using batteries made by the joint venture between Johnson Controls and Saft in France.

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