Published

Mercedes-AMG Affirms Plug-In Hybrid Plans

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-AMG unit plans to offer a plug-in hybrid variant of every model it sells in coming years, company officials tell Autocar.
#hybrid

Share

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-AMG unit plans to offer a plug-in hybrid variant of every model it sells in coming years, company officials tell Autocar.

The rollout will begin next year with an unspecified model, according to the British enthusiast magazine.

Mercedes-AMG has been advocating the use of plug-in hybrids for several years but has been slow to implement the policy. Plug-ins are favored over mild-hybrid systems because the former provides a greater fuel economy/emissions benefit , notes Frank Overmeyer, Mercedes head of external affairs for emissions.

Mercedes-AMG currently offers mild-hybrid systems on several models, including the CLS 53 and E53. The 48-volt starter/generator technology, which Mercedes brands as EQ Boost, can contribute an additional 22 hp and 184 lb ft of torque.

Mercedes offers plug-in hybrids variants of its C-, E- and S-Class cars under the EQ Power badge. Future Mercedes-AMG plug-ins will get an upgraded version of the system called EQ Power+, which is expected to boost output but diminish range.

Mercedes plans to launch 20 plug-in variants by the end of 2020. The A-Class is first in line and will feature a plug-in hybrid system developed specifically for small, front-drive cars.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Pump It Up

    The number of electric bicycles continues to proliferate, and one, for which a Kickstarter campaign is running until November 7, has a distinct difference from many others.

  • Hyundai Shops for a Partner to Make Electric Scooters

    Hyundai Motor Co. is looking for a domestic partner to mass-produce the fold-up Ioniq electric scooter it unveiled at last year’s CES show in Las Vegas, a source tells The Korea Herald.

  • Electric Motors for Aero and Auto

    Rolls-Royce—the manufacturer of aircraft engines, not the one that makes high-end vehicles with four wheels—is working with another British company, YASA, on the development of the ACCEL, an electric airplane.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions