Tuesday 22nd June 2010

Mercedes E-cell: The Electric SLS

Electric supercar prototype revealed

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These are the first images of the all-electric version of the Mercedes SLS AMG. It's called the E-cell and, although it is currently a concept, it is slated for production in 2013.

The E-cell is powered by four electric motors, with a pair in each axle and driving all four wheels. Each motor revs to 12,000rpm and all four make a combined 519bhp and 649lb ft of torque.

The battery packs are Lithium polymer and are sited behind the cabin and on the transmission tunnel.

Mercedes is claiming 0-62mph in 4.0secs.

The front electric motors mean the petrol SLS's double wishbone suspension has been abandoned in favour of push-rod dampers and a more compact multi-link set-up.

Other tweaks to the SLS include an extendable front splitter and a larger rear diffuser, so the electric car can generate more downforce than its petrol sister, while inside there's a 10-inch touch-screen display.

[Braintax]

It's beautiful, but will sound like a milkfloat

[Goochie]

Westfiled showed their electric 7 type car at the kit car show a few weeks back. It looked quick in a straight line but sounded terrible and provoked shouts of "one pint of semi-skimmed" etc.

[nsmith1180]

Why kill a stunning car. It should have a V eleventy gazillon engine!

[JumpinJack]

I've never understood why none of these electric cars don't incorporate solar panels anywhere? Shirley it would help?! But obviously have a knock on it's apperance.

[Gary C]

Batteries will probably weigh too much and run out after 20 miles of spirited running.

PR exercise anyone ?

Edited by Gary C on Tuesday 22 June 12:24

[Jellymonster]

How long will those batteries last?

[Stu R]

I don't care if it can only be fuelled by the blood of recently murdered relatives or ground kittens, I want one of those in my life. I'll even suffer the retina burning yellow

[McAndy]

HUGE missed opportunity! Positive results from B-Class F-Cell fuel cell development vehicle...should have done SLS F-Cell! Particularly with M4 Hydrogen Highway!

[teen_cerbera]

JumpinJack said:

I've never understood why none of these electric cars don't incorporate solar panels anywhere? Shirley it would help?! But obviously have a knock on it's apperance.

I agree, however, surely moulding it into the roof or what ever wouldnt look that bad, maybe even develope a Solar panel with a Carbon fibre effect film over the top? Just a thought...

As far as this car goes, I think it needs alot more black detailing (star & grille especially) to pull off such a wild colour.

[Galsia]

That colour doesn't help with what is an already revolting looking car.

[Mr Gear]

Braintax said:

It's beautiful, but will sound like a milkfloat

I rode a prototype electric race bike a couple of months ago. It sounded like a tie-fighter. No complaints from me.

[nsmith1180]

Mr Gear said:

Braintax said:

It's beautiful, but will sound like a milkfloat

I rode a prototype electric race bike a couple of months ago. It sounded like a tie-fighter. No complaints from me.

• Giggles**

[TheRoadWarrior]

JumpinJack said:

I've never understood why none of these electric cars don't incorporate solar panels anywhere? Shirley it would help?! But obviously have a knock on it's apperance.

...Help with what exactly? Running the interior light?!


A solar panel the size of the roof would probably deliver a couple of amps at best in ideal conditions.. these motors are using hundreds of amps.

[nsmith1180]

TheRoadWarrior said:

JumpinJack said:

I've never understood why none of these electric cars don't incorporate solar panels anywhere? Shirley it would help?! But obviously have a knock on it's apperance.

...Help with what exactly? Running the interior light?!


A solar panel the size of the roof would probably deliver a couple of amps at best in ideal conditions.. these motors are using hundreds of amps.

Every little helps said the man as he pissed in the sea. But i see where you are coming from, the panel would probably only just produce enough juice to move its additional weight over CF panels.

[MIP1983]

Why do they do these battery powered things? As if it's feasible to wait 6hrs for a charge. Make it with an on board generator or don't bother.

[simon76]

Bloody SACRILEGE!

[clarkeyboy]

Stu R said:

I don't care if it can only be fuelled by the blood of recently murdered relatives or ground kittens, I want one of those in my life. I'll even suffer the retina burning yellow

[Mr Gear]

nsmith1180 said:

TheRoadWarrior said:

JumpinJack said:

I've never understood why none of these electric cars don't incorporate solar panels anywhere? Shirley it would help?! But obviously have a knock on it's apperance.

...Help with what exactly? Running the interior light?!


A solar panel the size of the roof would probably deliver a couple of amps at best in ideal conditions.. these motors are using hundreds of amps.

Every little helps said the man as he pissed in the sea. But i see where you are coming from, the panel would probably only just produce enough juice to move its additional weight over CF panels.

If you left it parked in the sun all day it would probably provide a significant extra charge for the drive home. But there is a weight penalty and it would do little to boost actual range whilst driving.

[Don]

MIP1983 said:

Why do they do these battery powered things? As if it's feasible to wait 6hrs for a charge. Make it with an on board generator or don't bother.

I reckon that's the future. You charge it up at night - but if you are in danger of running out of battery power the car fires up a "range extender" generator. The existing infrastructure will support "hybrid" cars.

[RJDM3]

Electric cars will happen, dont really see them as any solution to CO2 problem. I do have an issue with the public being used as the RD for the companies to better the tech.

Or just stop cutting down the rain forest and replant trees and we can all stay on petrol. Soon as trees are natures co2 scrubbers......or did the governments miss that