Mercedes has all been about electricity at this year’s Paris Motor Show, unveiling the amazing SLS AMG Electric, and now this, the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive. This is an ordinary hatchback powered y a clever electric drivetrain that gives it a range of 200 emission-free kilometers. The B-Class has always been a good testbed for Mercedes green technologies. They also have a fuel cell version of it.
The B-Class Electric features a 100 kW electric motor which generates a sizable torque of 310 Nm. With that torque available right off the bat, this electric car can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just under 10 seconds. The top speed is limited to 150 km/h to stop you from flattening the battery too quickly.
Unfortunately, Mercedes has not yet found a way to reduce the long charging time for electric cars. But they do supply a fast charge system that gives you enough go-juice for 100 km in just under an hour. Come to think of it, driving an electric car is like being tortured. You constantly drive on an eco manner, because you know if you run out, you are in for a big wait.
The concept B-Class electric comes with a number of visual differences over the standard B-Class. It gets a new front bumper and new side skirts which flow elegantly into both the front bumper and the newly designed rear bumper. The charging unit is installed inconspicuously behind the filler flap. A special reflective blue colour effect on the exterior highlights the B-Class Electric Drive Concept’s status as a local emission-free electric vehicle.
The concept also has a lavish interior. Soft nappa is predominant inside the vehicle, covering steering wheel, seats, door centre panels, armrests and the dashboard, which is bordered with carefully applied decorative turquoise blue stitching. The passenger compartment is finished in black, white and crystal grey. Not sure if the production version will be this luxurious.
