Most car manufacturer are catching up with the hybrid technology and now offer hybrid or even electric cars – even rather conservative manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz.
A new Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, travelled the 1968 kilometres from Tangier in North Africa to Goodwood in England without having to refuel. They ultimately posted an average consumption of just 3.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres.
While this is a great result, and while I appreciate the fact that Mercedes is offering hybrid technologies, they still seem to be adapting slowly. My 2nd generation Prius is 13 years old (built 2001), had it's original battery replaced a week ago, has a petrol consumption of about 4.2 litres/100km. However it only cost me $5000 two years ago. Even when adding the additional $4800 for the new battery into the cost, it is still significantly cheaper than the above Mercedes with a consumption that is not too far off it.
The high performance fuel-sipper comes at a cost however, with the E 300 BlueTec Hybrid retailing in New Zealand from $139,290.
I believe we need more hybrid vehicles that are actually affordable by the public rather than high-end cars that most people would not be able to afford. I think to spend that amount of money on a car, the driving fun and performance should be significantly more than what I can see currently.
via Mercedes drives from Africa to England on single tank – Motoring – NZ Herald News.