The company said that the ML450 Hybrid, using Remy HVH electric motor technology, works together with a 3.5liter V6 engine to attain fuel efficiency over comparably powered sports utility vehicles – or when needed, provide the acceleration of V8. The ML450 Hybrid can operate as a zero-emission vehicle when powered by its electric drive alone.
The company claimed that the ML450 Hybrid will perform like a V8 consuming fuel like a 4 cylinder and can travel as fast as 35 mph while operating in full electric mode. Fuel consumption and emissions are down nearly 60% compared to similarly powered vehicles like the ML550.
Remy will be supplying two HVH electric motors per vehicle. The ML450 Hybrid will use the Remy HVH electric motors to provide drive and generation functions.
The first motor is positioned close to the internal combustion engine and is used both as a motor and generator, providing over 80hp to assist the drivetrain or charge the vehicle battery.
The second motor located at the output end of the transmission generates 80hp and 192lb/ft of torque and is tuned for electric drive performance plus recovery of regenerative braking energy to the battery.
The Remy HVH motors for the Mercedes ML450 Hybrid will be manufactured at Remy’s manufacturing plant in Mezokovesd, Hungary. And the Mercedes ML450 Hybrid will be produced at the Mercedes manufacturing plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.