Mercedes-Benz' upcoming B-Class Electric Drive hatchback that was co-developed with Tesla has been shown by the automaker in one image. The car, due to make a public debut at the Paris auto show at the end of the month, is entirely powered by electricity, sporting no gasoline-burning engine whatsoever.
The car is due to reach markets sometime in 2014, though which ones it will be sold in hasn't yet been revealed. The car is likely to be offered only on an extended monthly lease plan rather than be sold to purchase outright, AutoCar believes. The brushless motor that will occupy the same space as the B-Class' regular gasoline or electric motor will be rated at 134 horsepower and 228lb-ft of torque, according to the latest report.
The front-wheel drive car will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack mounted low in the chassis for better performance, more passenger and cargo space, and safety. It sits ahead of the rear axle, and Mercedes is calling this layout Energy Space. A full charge is expected to yield a 125-mile range, Mercedes said. A regenerative system will feed power back into the battery during deceleration.
The Paris show is also expected to host the debut of the production version of the SLS AMG Electric Drive and Smart Brabus Electric Drive.
