Mercedes to ditch gas? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

winmutt · #1 07-09-2008, 10:14 AM

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/603/mercedes-to-cut-petroleum-out-of-lineup-by-2015.html

Quote:

In less than 7 years, Mercedes-Benz plans to ditch petroleum-powered vehicles from its lineup. Focusing on electric, fuel cell, and biofuels, the company is revving up research in alternative fuel sources and efficiency.

The German car company has a few new power-trains in the line-up that European journalists have had the opportunity to test out in the Mercedes facility in Spain. One vehicle includes the F700, powered by a DiesOtto engine that combines HCCI and spark ignition to get nearly the same efficiency as diesel, but minus the expensive after-treatment systems.

The engine can run on biofuels, and we may have a purchasable vehicle by 2010 -- a year that seems to be popular for the debut of a lot of new alternative fuel car models, making ’08 and ’09 simply thumb-twiddling years for consumers. I don’t know, maybe car makers just like the roundness of “2010.” The company’s next big step will be to launch a Smart electric car which is fuel and emission-free.

Anyway, Mercedes is looking into electric vehicles, both battery-powered and fuel-cell powered. Not only are models in development, but we’ve also seen the company making steps towards its zero-petroleum goal right now, from better cabs in London to li-ion battery improvements. The company also has about 100 Smart electric cars undergoing testing in London, with that favorite 2010 year as the projected market release date.

Mercedes is making serious investments, already putting nearly $4 million into the pot of its long-term Sustainable Mobility plan, with another nearly $1.4 billion going in before 2014.

While car models may be able to run on fuels other than gasoline or diesel, we have yet to find a method of both running and producing vehicles entirely free of fossil fuels. I’m waiting for a mainstream car line that creates renewable fuel, clean-running vehicles out of 100% recycled materials in plants run on 100% renewable, clean power … Will I even be alive when that finally happens? I have hope.

Via AutoblogGreen, The Sun; Photo Leonid Mamchenkov

vstech · #2 07-09-2008, 10:49 AM

die hippies die...
'yall get my diesel ya gots to pry it from my cold dead hands...

#3 07-09-2008, 11:08 AM

You're believing a Yahoo! blog as your only source of information on this story? Somebody, probably the blog writer, is blowing smoke up people's ass.

Getting rid of petro in 7 years when there is no viable alternative available is not possible. 20-50 years, maybe.

winmutt · #4 07-09-2008, 11:15 AM

I did mention in Okie Benz that he doesn't mention his source. It will certainly be before 20 years. China has required that all new cars sold after 2015 (or was it 2020? sometime relatively soon) would have to be alt fueled. Clearly every auto manufacturer out there wants to keep their foot in that market.

BoostJunkie · #5 07-09-2008, 11:32 AM

7 years?? Right, and shortly there after we'll have micro nuclear reactors to power our cars and small appliances.

*slight sarcasm*

Bill Wood · #6 07-09-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

You're believing a Yahoo! blog as your only source of information on this story? Somebody, probably the blog writer, is blowing smoke up people's ass.

Getting rid of petro in 7 years when there is no viable alternative available is not possible. 20-50 years, maybe.

It was also in an article in The Sun.

winmutt · #7 07-09-2008, 11:50 AM

F700 - hard time believing 1.8l can deliver 238hp 0-100kph 7.5 and top speed of 155mph

From the mouth of babes : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc5HRlxFrk4