• First time a lithium-ion battery has been integrated in a series-production hybrid vehicle anywhere in the world
• Available since June in the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID
Stuttgart – Daimler has once again been awarded the “Goldener Öltropfen 2009” (Golden Drop of Oil 2009). The drivers’ organisation Automobilclub Kraftfahrer-Schutz e.V. has given the prize to the Stuttgart-based car manu-facturer in recognition of its lithium-ion battery, which has been integrated in a series-production hybrid vehicle – the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID – for the first time anywhere in the world.
“All the hard work put in by our engineers during the development of this key, groundbreaking technology, has definitely paid off, and not merely from a technical point of view” commented Prof. Herbert Kohler, head of E-Drive & Future Mobility at Daimler AG. “We are delighted by the positive and respectful response we have met with in the industry”.
The Stuttgart car company is the very first manufacturer in the world to have succeeded in fine-tuning lithium-ion technology, which has mainly been used in consumer electronics up until now, to such an extent that it meets the exacting requirements associated with its use in series-production passenger cars. Daimler AG holds a total of 25 patents which made possible the break-through in this significant technology.
World’s lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle class
The innovative energy storage unit has been available in the new Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID since June 2009. The combination of enhanced V6 petrol engine and compact hybrid module makes the S 400 HYBRID the world’s most economical luxury saloon with a petrol engine. In the NEDC (combined), petrol consumption is only 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres, result-ing in the lowest CO2 emissions worldwide in this vehicle and performance class: a mere 186 grams per kilometre. In conjunction with the intelligent energy management system, the new model boasts numerous hybrid proper-ties such as the combustion engine’s convenient start/stop function, a boost-ing effect and the recovery of braking energy through recuperation.
Compact dimensions and significantly enhanced performance
The main advantages of the lithium-ion battery are to be found in its com-pact dimensions and significantly enhanced performance compared with conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries. Its energy density exceeds that of nickel/metal hydride technology by 30 percent, its power density by 50 percent. It is also characterised by high electrical efficiency and a long life. What’s more, the lithium-ion battery has the lowest environmental impact of all battery technologies and helps to safeguard the long-term and low-cost supply of raw materials. Its high safety standard is on a par with that of to-day’s car batteries.
Sixth prize for saving energy and protecting the environment
This year’s “Goldener Öltropfen” marks the sixth time that Daimler has been given an award by the Kraftfahrer-Schutz e.V. organisation. Every year since 1981 the automotive club has bestowed the renowned energy and environ-mental prize on a company chosen from the car industry and its suppliers that has distinguished itself through its outstanding achievements where sav-ing energy and protecting the environment are concerned. The jury is made up of independent experts from the worlds of science, technology, journal-ism and politics. In 2006 Daimler won the prize for developing spray-guided direct petrol injection. The first engine to work according to this combustion principle was initially put to use in the Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI. The aim of the injection procedure is to reduce fuel consumption whilst simulta-neously improving the engine’s efficiency.
In recognition of the lithium-ion battery Daimler AG has already received several renowned honors, among them the “Gelber Engel 2009” (Yellow Angel) of the ADAC (General German Automobile Association) and the “Professor Ferdinand Porsche Prize” of the Vienna Technical University.
press release: www.media.daimler.com