Merc zeroes in on Ampera challenger

04th September 2009

It’s not only Jaguar that’s working flat-out to build an ultra-efficient edition of one of its most popular models.

Mercedes has confirmed that it is looking at producing a range of hybrid electric vehicles – similar in concept to Vauxhall’s Ampera. In an interview with Auto Express, Wilfried Steffan, president and chief executive of Mercedes UK, said: “It won’t be long before you see a Mercedes that offers all three forms of propulsion. That’s electric, hybrid-electric and fuel only.” While details remain scarce, it’s believed his comments relate to the development of the B-Zero concept, which is set to go on sale in 2011.

The car, which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show in January and was also at Frankfurt, is tipped to get a powertrain capable of delivering an electric-only range of 62 miles, plus the potential to switch to petrol propulsion should the battery charge run low.

Using the latest lithium-ion battery technology, and an ultra-efficient ‘diesotto’ cycle engine, the car could offer a range of more than 150mpg.

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