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Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its SLS AMG E-CELL is to enter series production, with customers able to place orders from 2013. The announcement was made by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Proving that not all electric cars will have to be dull, the SLS AMG E-CELL is powered by four electric motors that combined produce 525 bhp (392 kW / 532 PS) and 880 Nm (649 lb/ft) of torque. Each of those motors is placed close to its own wheel, creating an intelligent all-wheel drive system.



At the moment, a liquid-cooled, high-voltage lithium-ion modular battery is being used for the prototypes. Its energy content is 48 kWh, with a rated capacity of 40 Ah at 400 volts. The SLS AMG E-CELL will also benefit from regenerative braking, which will top-up the battery’s charge during normal driving.





The only performance figure released so far is the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time, which is said to be around 4 seconds. By comparison the petrol-powered SLS AMG, with its 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS) and maximum torque of 650 Nm (479 lb/ft), does the same sprint in just 3.8 seconds. So, despite some extra torque, the electric version is marginally slower off the line. That probably indicates it’s hauling around a little added weight?



Two vital stats that have yet to be revealed are battery recharge time and the car’s range. These will be critical in establishing whether the SLS AMG E-CELL can tempt customers away from the existing V8-powered version.





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