Zoomi Life

Back in January, at the North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz introduced the concept BlueZERO platform for the modular production of three different vehicle drive trains: an electric (E-Cell), a hydrogen fuel cell (F-Cell), and a range-extended electric (E-Cell PLUS).

Mercedes has given a sneak peak at more information on the range extension plans for the E-Cell PLUS and hinted at a physical debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show.

The E-Cell PLUS will offer a total range of up to 600km (373 miles) and will do 100km of that in all-electric (or battery electric) mode. A small, 1.0 liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine underneath the trunk in the rear of the car will provide 50kW power output at 3500rpms.  This is the same engine Daimler will be putting in the extended Smart ForTwo.

As with the standard E-Cell model planned, other specs are the same: 100Kw/136hp peak output with a maximum torque of 320Nm. The F-Cell will have similar numbers, using the same electric motors and configuration, all three models doing 0-60mph in roughly 11 seconds.  Top speed will be about 93mph.

The batteries on the E-Cell Plus will recharge in about an hour to full, using a rapid charging 20kW setup (220v) or about six hours at standard household outlet rates.

We look forward to the debut of this great car concept!

Sources: Daimler Media, GreenCarCongress