• First patented integration of a lithium-ion battery into a series-produced passenger car
• Available in Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID starting in 2009
• 25 patents for top technology “made in Germany”

Daimler AG has achieved a crucial breakthrough in battery technology. The Stuttgart-based automaker is the world’s first manufacturer to have succeeded in adapting lithium-ion technology to the demanding requirements of automotive applications. Until now, the technology has been used primarily in consumer electronics. The new battery will be used in the series-production S 400 BlueHYBRID beginning next year. This important technology was possible thanks to 25 patents held by Daimler.

Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, says: “What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry. That is a tribute to our intensive research efforts, which we have been conducting in this area since 1992.”

The engineers’ success is above all a result of the Daimler-developed integration of the lithium-ion battery into the vehicle’s climate control system. This ensures that the battery always works at optimal system temperatures of between 15 and 35°C, which in turn makes it possible for the battery to provide long service life and maximum performance.
The main advantages offered by the newly developed lithium-ion battery are its very compact dimensions and its far superior performance compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries. The weight/power ratio of the entire battery is 1,900 watts per liter (W/L). What’s more, the battery stands out by virtue of its high ampere-hour efficiency, long service life, and great reliability, even at very low temperatures. Its high level of safety is the equal of that provided by today’s auto batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are ideally suited for use in hybrid vehicles to help reducing fuel consumption and thus also CO2 emissions. At the same time, the Daimler engineers are investigating to what degree this technology can be applied to other vehicle concepts, such as electric and fuel cell-powered cars.

S 400 BlueHYBRID – the world’s most economical luxury sedan
The S 400 BlueHYBRID consumes only 7.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km in the NEDC. This results in very low CO2 emissions of only 190 grams per kilometer, a very low value for this vehicle class and power class, making the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world’s most economical luxury sedan – unrivaled by any gasoline, diesel, or hybrid drive system offered by any competitor.

And S 400 BlueHYBRID drivers will still enjoy impressive performance: combined with the hybrid module, the maximum output is 220 kW/299 hp, and the corresponding maximum torque is 375 Nm. The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Even more potential is offered by the combination of clean BlueTec diesel technology with a hybrid module, a duo that is featured in the S 300 BlueTec HYBRID, for example.

Refurb-A-Sash, London’s Award Winning Traditional timber Sash Window Specialists, took delivery of two fully electric smart cars this week.

The iconic, two seater cars are part of a UK market trial being run by Mercedes-Benz UK with a small number of specially selected clients.

Refurb-a-Sash will put the smart ed’s (electric drive) to work as pool vehicles for their estimators, surveyors and technical staff to visit installation sites and potential clients in the London area.

Refurb-a-Sash is a specialist joinery making & installing bespoke sash & casement windows for London’s period properties, many situated within designated conservation areas.

Adrian Thompson, Managing Direct of Refurb-a-Sash, comments: “As a business based in a residential part of London we recognise the importance of conservation and the need to protect the environment. The smart ed has zero emissions which is not only good for the environment but make sound business sense. Powered solely by electricity and chargeable from any three-pin socket the smart ed can achieve the equivalent of 300 mpg. They have a range of about 70 miles between charges, which for our business is ideal. So for us going ‘green’ is a decision based on a sound financial justification.”

The smart ed (electric drive) emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydro-carbons, particulate matter or any harmful substance – in fact it emits nothing at all! It retains all the safety equipment you would find on a regular smart, so unlike other electric cars, a smart ed has ESP, ABS brakes, two Airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “This market trial is an important part of our commitment to sustainable mobility and we’re delighted that Refurb-a-Sash is taking part. Their application is ideally suited to demonstrate how pure electric drive vehicles are both a practical and useable alternative to petrol/diesel powered cars”.

The smart ed sets a new benchmark in the electric vehicle sector; it has 30kW output and a top speed of 60 mph. It offers nippy in-town performance with 0-30 mph in 6.5 seconds and is exempt from vehicle excise duty and congestion charge.

Adrian summarises: “We are very excited about this innovation and the opportunity to be part of this important trial with Mercedes Benz. We have long been fans of the petrol powered smart car, and the smart ed is one of a number of practical initiatives we are employing to reduce carbon emissions. I believe it demonstrates that small / medium sized business can make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption”.

• 7.3 million** motorists will purchase a brand new car this year
• Ford will be the most popular brand

Despite growing awareness over global warming and the effect we are having in the environment, research from Direct Line Car Insurance reveals that 1.2 million (16 per cent)  motorists who intend to buy a car over the course of the next year will purchase either a people carrier or 4X4 ‘Chelsea tractor’. In fact, motorists are four times more likely to buy a less fuel efficient vehicle than the more environmentally friendly hybrid or ‘eco’ cars this year.

With new car registration plates out on 1st March 2008, many motor enthusiasts have already set their sights on securing one of their favourite brand new vehicles with over a fifth (22 per cent) planning on purchasing a brand new car within the next 12 months.

When it comes to car brands the most popular brands are still Ford, Toyota and Vauxhall.  Despite the recent trends for more retro style cars, the Mini comes at the bottom of the wish list.  Conservative choices lead the way on colour with silver/grey topping the list, followed by blue and red.

Tony Chilcott, Head of Car Insurance at Direct Line, said, “As a nation, we take pride in our cars and with new car registration plates available in the Spring, March is a popular time of year for people to purchase a new one. Choosing a more fuel efficient car can limit further damage to the environment, as well as provide financial benefits. And with ever increasing petrol prices, drivers are always looking for ways to cut the costs of motoring. If you are buying a new vehicle, it is quick and easy to amend your existing insurance policy. Direct Line is offering very competitive quotes on brand new vehicles currently.”

The research also reveals that despite the London congestion charge, 27 per cent of Londoners are planning on buying a car in the next year, compared to just 20 per cent of those living in the Midlands and 21 per cent of Northerners.

Direct Line’s Car Insurance top tips on saving money when buying a new car:

• Buy a suitable car for your needs and the type of journey you make most often
• Cast aside your anti-diesel prejudice – modern engines are smooth, quiet and fast
• Look for a used car that is already converted to LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) 
• Buy a car with a 1.4 litre engine or smaller, to take advantage of cheaper road tax
• Buy an ‘approved used’ model from a main dealer. Ex-demo cars often have tiny mileages and are as good as new, but can be up to 30 per cent cheaper
• Tyre pressures must be right – an under-inflated tyre causes resistance, which causes unnecessary wear and tear and increases fuel consumption, as does driving with your windows open.  Find an experienced private specialist to do your servicing rather than paying more at an individual dealer, but make sure they are manufacturer accredited, otherwise you may invalidate your warranty
• Motorists planning on purchasing a new car in the next few months should take time to check their insurance policy to ensure they have the best deal for their new vehicle.

Top 5 most popular colours

1. Silver/grey (26 per cent)
2. Blue (24 per cent)
3. Red (13 per cent)
4. Black (13 per cent)
5. Green (9 per cent)

Top 5 most popular brands

1. Ford (12 per cent)
2. Toyota (9 per cent)
3. Vauxhall (7 per cent)
4. Renault (6 per cent)
5. BMW (6 per cent)

Green 4×4 may sound like an oxymoron yet as the car manufacturers ever-improve their green credentials, many SUVs and four wheel drives are emerging on the market that have genuinely impressive fuel economy.

Here is TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk’s run down of the top five green 4×4s and SUVs currently available on the market:

• Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.33 VVT-i 5dr with 129g/km CO2 and 51.4 mpg combined.
• Mitsubishi Space Star 1.9 DI-D Mirage 5dr with 146g/km CO2 and 51.4mpg combined.
• Toyota RAV4 XT-R 2.2 D-4D 5dr with 154g/km CO2 and 48.7mpg combined.
• Volkswagen Tiguan SE 2.0 TDI 5dr with 155g/km CO2 and 47.9mpg combined.
• Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 5dr 2WD with 159g/km CO2 and 46.3mpg combined.

GREATER EFFICIENCY, LOWER EMISSIONS: BLUEMOTION RANGE EXTENDED

Drawing on the continued success of the Polo BlueMotion, Volkswagen is set to release a raft of BlueMotion models in the UK, across the Golf, Golf Plus, Golf Estate, Jetta and Passat saloon and Passat Estate ranges, with the first cars arriving in time for the new ‘08’ plate in March. 

In addition from October 27th onwards the Polo BlueMotion and the new Golf BlueMotion, placed in Vehicle Excise Duty bands A and B respectively, will both be exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

BlueMotion represents the most efficient model in each of Volkswagen’s passenger car ranges.  In each vehicle a combination of revised aerodynamics, optimised gear ratios, a new turbocharger and hard compound tyres is applied.  The effect is a reduction in loading on the engine resulting in a rise in efficiency and lower emissions.

Unlike the Polo BlueMotion, which has a 1.4-litre TDI engine, all the new BlueMotion models are powered by a 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS unit linked to a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in the exhaust system.  In the Golf this means a combined economy figure of 62.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km, while the Golf BlueMotion’s 55-litre fuel tank allows for a theoretical range in excess of 750 miles.

These increases in efficiency don’t come at the expense of comfort or safety.  All Golf BlueMotion models are fitted with Climatic air conditioning as standard as well as a multifunction display advising on the optimum moment to change gear.  The comprehensive roster of standard safety equipment includes ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), a total of six airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and ASR traction control.  The Match model adds alloy wheels, sports suspension, cruise control and leather trim for the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip.

Priced from £15,565 for the BlueMotion S TDI 3dr before rising to £16,745 for the BlueMotion Match TDI 5dr the new models represent strong value for money.  All have a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. 

The new BlueMotion variants are now available to order from any Volkswagen Retailer.  For more details visit www.volkswagen.co.uk.

With people carriers being traditionally bulky, you might not expect there to be many green car people carriers or MPVs to choose from. However, there are several on the market with surprisingly low CO2 emissions – so if you have a large family check out our top five list now:

• Nissan Note 1.5 dCi Acenta 5dr with 119g/km CO2 and 62.8mpg combined.
• Citroen Nemo 1.4 HDi 8v 5dr with 119g/km CO2 and 62.8mpg combined.
• Fiat Qubo 1.3 Multijet Active 5dr with 119g/km CO2 and 62.8mpg combined.
• Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6 16v Exclusive with 125g/km CO2 and 60.1mpg combined.
• Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 HDi Desire with 131g/km CO2 and 57.6mpg combined.

Skoda has produced an excellent green car in the form of the Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI GreenLine. The GreenLine manages approximately 68 miles to the gallon and impressive CO2 figures of 109g/km. Available in either estate (£12,140) or hatchback (£11,490) there are few greener models available in the UK at these prices. �

Next month’s Geneva Motor Show will see BMW unveil their new eco-concept 4×4. The concept is being called Vision Efficient Dynamics and will be based on the existing X5 but will feature the newest technologies to cut CO2 emissions and raise fuel economy.

The X5 currently registers between 23 and 35 miles per gallon depending on the variant with emissions from 214g/km up to 286g/km.

The new concept claims to manage over 43 miles to the gallon and has cut CO2 emissions to 214g/km.

For most drivers interested in cabriolets (also known as ‘convertibles’) fuel efficiency and emission levels are unlikely to be at the top of their agenda. However, there are several cabriolets on the market that combine good looks with an environmentally friendly drive. Here is our top five:

• smart ForTwo Cabriolet 71 2dr MHD With just 105 CO2 (g/km) and 64.2 mpg (combined), the smart ForTwo is the greenest cabriolet on the market. A familiar favourite on the green scene, the smart ForTwo may be small but at least you can emjoy the wind through your hair, safe in the knowledge that your car won’t break the bank.
• Vauxhall Tigra 1.3 CDTI Originally based on the Corsa super-mini, the Vauxhall Tigra is vastly popular and according to Auto Express one of the most fuel efficient cabriolets available at 45MPG. The 1.3 CDTI version out-performs the 1.4 petrol edition by 10MPG and has CO2 emissions at 124g/km.
• Citroen C3 Pluriel 1.4 HDi Exclusive With a detachable roof the Citroen C3 Pluriel puts this traditional super-mini into a sporty class and can be seen as a descendant of the Citroen 2CV. Thanks to its small stature it’s notably fuel efficient with 60MPG and has excellent CO2 emission levels at just 125g/km.
• BMW 1 Series  118d Convertible Thanks to the EfficientDynamics range, BMW has stormed into the green car market, effortlessly combining class and green credentials. At just 129 g/km CO2 and 57.6 mpg, BMW earn a respectable place in our top five.
• Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi Coupe Cabriolet The blue lion does it again; the stylish 207 adds great eco-credentials of 130 g/km of C02 and 56.4 mpg. A great all-rounder which appeals to young executives and families alike.

Lotus Engineering are planning to enter the green car market and have set up a research and development group with the purpose of working on hybrid and electric vehicles plus the continued work of reducing emissions of its conventional engines.

Recent work assisting in the development of Tesla’s all-electric Roadster will be fully utilised and Lotus Engineering plan to become a leader in green transport engineering within the next five years.