Limited edition EV set for Paris debut

(Daimler)

Mercedes-Benz is to produce a limited-edition electric version of its A-class, according to reports in the US.

The "E-Cell" version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class will debut at the Paris Motor Show, a spokesperson for the  company told the New York Times.

The vehicle, which will go on sale from early next year, will have a range of 124 miles (200 km) and will have performance "equivalent to or slightly faster than the gas versions of the A-Class," said the report.

Only 500 of the vehicles will be produced, with further details set to be revealed on September 15, although it is not believed that the car will be sold in the United States.

The vehicle is a product of the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Tesla Motors, part-owned by Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler.

Tesla has provided the battery pack and controllers for the new A-Class, according to the New York Times report, but it has also played a key role in enabling Daimler's other brand, Smart, to produce its electric Fortwo for testing in Europe.

Both Renault and Kia have already released pictures of the electric concepts they intend to debut in Paris, named "DeZir" and "Pop" respectively.

The Paris Motor Show runs in Paris October 2-17.

http://www.mondialautomobile.com/

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/mercedes-benz-to-produce-500-e-cell-a-class-electric-cars/