Mercedes Advances Hybrid Design
Kevin J. Harrigan | November 04, 2014Recent initiatives by Mercedes-Benz may strengthen the company’s position in the electric and hybrid automotive marketplace.
First, the company debuted the G-Code crossover, a concept vehicle which integrates a first-of-its-kind automotive paint. The paint essentially acts as a photovoltaic panel to derive energy from the sun and the wind and deliver it to the powertrain. Second, Mercedes outfitted the G-Code with an energy-regenerative suspension.
Mercedes calls the energy-producing silver paint "multi-voltaic" as it captures energy from sunlight to supplement a hybrid powertrain. The paint is also able to capture the electrostatic charge generated from air resistance while the vehicle is moving or from the wind while it is parked. The charges obtained by the multi-voltaic paint is routed to an on-board battery pack, which also can be charged by conventional plug-in sockets, or it can be used directly in the synthesis of hydrogen and methane. The G-Code uses a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine to power the front axle and an electric motor to power the rear axle.
The G-Code is also outfitted with an energy-regenerative suspension. Springs and dampers are hydraulic and networked via a central control unit. Movement in the springs and dampers adds pressure to hydraulic fluid that drives a current generator, providing another source of electricity.
The G-Code was developed to feature some of Mercedes' sustainability efforts, and it showcases some of what the company may implement in upcoming vehicles.
But to see what green technologies the company is using in current vehicles, look no further than the company’s van-like B-class hatchback.
The car has been available in limited numbers in the United States since July 2014 and Mercedes intends a wider international rollout in the near future. According to Bloomberg, the vehicle represents a first step for the luxury automaker into the all-electric market, as competition to BMW’s i3 model.
Traditional luxury auto manufacturers have not always been on the forefront of the green auto movement, but have realized the changing landscape of automotive powertrains. While BMW invested in a new vehicle and powertrain, Mercedes relied on Tesla for an electric powertrain, including Tesla's proprietary lithium ion battery pack, electric motors and on-board charger.
While Mercedes may have been among the first luxury automakers to use Tesla technology, it may not be the last. Last June, Tesla released many of its patents to public domain in hopes of spurring electric vehicle development, noting that such vehicles constitute about 1% of conventional automaker's vehicle sales. This number seems appropriate given the fledgling nature of the technology, but with Mercedes making an electric vehicle splash, expect more manufacturers to explore using Tesla's proven technology.
More Resources: