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>DAIMLER will become the first vehicle maker to use the lithium-ion battery when its Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid goes into production early next year. Lithium-ion batteries, used mainly in consumer electronic products such as mobile phones, have far superior performance compared to nickel-metal hydride batteries currently used in hybrid cars. They are lighter and more compact too. Daimler is also looking to use the new technology in full electric and fuel cell cars. The S400 BlueHybrid consumes only 7.9 litres of petrol per 100km - unrivalled by any limo today. It puts out 299hp and 375Nm of torque. It accelerates from zero to 100kmh in 7.3 seconds.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 8, 2008.
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