Mercedes-Benz will produce 500 zero-emissions A-Class E-Cells and lease them to 'selected customers' around Europe. Sadly there's no mention of the UK market at this stage.
Mercedes claims that the E-Cell makes no practicality compromises compared to the standard A-Class, because it houses the lithium ion battery pack underneath the car's 'sandwich floor'.
In the regular A-Class, that floor configuration leaves a space between the interior floor and the undercarriage, into which the engine can safely slide during a front-end collision.
So Mercedes has concocted a battery sandwich, if you will, leaving the boot and passenger compartment free. In addition, the low centre of gravity benefits handling, says the company.
The E-Cell's electric motor has a 94bhp power output and 214lb.ft of torque from zero rpm. Mercedes claims a 124-mile range from the battery, which will charge in eight hours from a household socket, or three hours from a fast charging point.
It also includes a 'SmartCharge Communication' system, which automatically bills the user for the amount of electricity used, and can draw energy at times when it's cheaper; plug it in for 24 hours, and it will draw charge at night, when unit cost is lower.
The 500-unit production run begins shortly (autumn 2010) though Mercedes says nothing of how much leasing costs will be, or who qualifies to take part.
We expect to see the new electric A-Class at the
Paris Motor Show later this month.
Mark Nichol - 16 Sep 2010