Daimler AG continue to roll out the smart cars

ELECTRIC and hybrid vehicles are now a staple in motoring and Daimler AG continue to roll out the smart eco alternatives in the shape of Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrids.
Having already gained the prestige of developing the world’s most varied fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles, Daimler are set to achieve a total of 10 Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrids by 2017 alongside a launch of all-electric vehicles.
The GLE 500 e 4MATIC is due out in August 2015 and is the latest Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid and the third model since the arrival of last year’s S 500 and this March’s C 350.
To this end, the company is focusing on its development of battery technology. The company is investing heavily in this engineering with the aim of leading the way to emission-free driving through a range of vehicles that are foremost in efficiency.
 Such eco-friendly motoring will arrive through the use of more powerful internal combustion engines, electric cars with batteries for the city and urban environment, while launching plug-in hybrids for long journeys or through mixed environments, as well as a range for larger vehicles.
Daimler’s pioneering battery technology uses lithium-ion technology as the basis for its plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and as Harald Kroger, Mercedes-Benz’s Head of Development for Electrics/Electronics & E-Drive states, it is currently the most efficient battery technology available, and is competitive in terms of quality, service life and costs.
Mercedes-Benz e-vehicles were put to the test in the Silvretta E-Auto Rally from July 2 to 5.
The rally took place in the stunning location of Austria’s Alps and some 150 vintage cars took part alongside 30 emission-free electric cars over 366 kilometres of challenging roads of steep terrain and high altitudes.