Mercedes To Phase Out Petrol By 2015

By 2015, Mercedes-Benz plans to phase out petrol-powered cars from its lineup. Mercedes will be focusing on electric, fuel cell, and biofuels, the company is gearing up research in alternative fuel sources and efficiency.

The Mercedes car company has a few new engines in the line-up that journalists have had the opportunity to test out in the Mercedes facility in Spain. One car includes the F700, powered by a DiesOtto engine that combines HCCI and spark ignition to get nearly the same efficiency as diesel, but minus the expensive after-treatment.

The engine can run on biofuels, and we may have a purchasable vehicle by 2010 -- a year that seems to be popular for the debut of a lot of new alternative fuel car models, making ’08 and ’09 simply thumb-twiddling years for consumers. I don’t know, maybe car makers just like the roundness of “2010.” The company’s next big step will be to launch a Smart electric car which is fuel and emission-free cars.

Mercedes is looking into electric vehicles, both battery-powered and fuel-cell powered. Not only are models in development, but the company making steps towards its zero-petroleum goal, from better cabs to li-ion battery improvements. The company also has about 100 Smart electric cars undergoing testing in London, with 2010 as the projected market release.

Story is unconfirmed.

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