Automotive Car Review: Mercedes-Benz Hybrids

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UCS Praises, Condemns New Hybrids

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) have both praised and condemned two of the latest hybrid offerings. The UCS auto engineers feel the BMW ActiveHybrid X6, a 'muscle hybrid', squanders its hybrid drivetrain by boosting power. At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz S400 is seen as partially successful. It lowers cost, but uses a 'relatively weak' hybrid drivetrain along with a downsized conventional gasoline engine, to increase fuel efficiency. The UCS updated their <a href="http://www.hybridcenter.org/hybrid-scorecard/index.html#UCS_Hybrid_Scorecard">Hybrid Scorecard</a> to reflect their findings. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRR7eIAMhUhdSulcmCBu5TnwTJeWknDb8sKDIqvHNSqjLyvxcyFM9JNJ9RAT3Uaxlm77aZQtFB3dR5VMGYhggFPUdzgAm9VLqLNRIaCBLBPVKBPyYdShWIorvvmUqCC7wnB_PnB7Sl8I/s1600/BMW+ActiveHybrid+X6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRR7eIAMhUhdSulcmCBu5TnwTJeWknDb8sKDIqvHNSqjLyvxcyFM9JNJ9RAT3Uaxlm77aZQtFB3dR5VMGYhggFPUdzgAm9VLqLNRIaCBLBPVKBPyYdShWIorvvmUqCC7wnB_PnB7Sl8I/s320/BMW+ActiveHybrid+X6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMW ActiveHybrid X6</td></tr></tbody></table>The ActiveHybrid X6 UCS points out BMW has added on to an already powerful eight cylinder engine to boost the X6 to the highest horsepower and torque of any hybrid on the market. And so the hybrid X6 has become the worst performer, from an environmental perspective, than the Lexus RX 450h. The RX450h has a 7.4 rating on the UCS Scorecard, while the X6 was given a 4.4. The UCS also notes the X6 ActiveHybrid comes with $10,000 of 'forced features', including a deluxe sound system and other features not included in the base model. The UCS feels that unnecessary features drive up the cost of hybrid cars. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA4fRtmP4lGZeMPIK6qHRNZWhnvNOPNlOLOclk1yunA9ANHKRo5EYEueiLXYXv836ZBu1FDMwlq64opQVjFcWLW3EzCgqwJx4eMHnwSO1-CzElEB2IcbxKMhvniSBDhxdt5lUUky7iIk/s1600/mercedes+hybrid+S-Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA4fRtmP4lGZeMPIK6qHRNZWhnvNOPNlOLOclk1yunA9ANHKRo5EYEueiLXYXv836ZBu1FDMwlq64opQVjFcWLW3EzCgqwJx4eMHnwSO1-CzElEB2IcbxKMhvniSBDhxdt5lUUky7iIk/s320/mercedes+hybrid+S-Class.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S400 Hybrid from Mercedes-Benz</td></tr></tbody></table>The Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid The first hybrid from Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, took and eight cylinder engine and replaced it with a six-cylinder hybrid. That improved the costs and made for higher fuel economy. And for the first time for a hybrid, the S400 hybrid actually costs less than the base mode S550. The S400 Hybrid is a mild hybrid, incapable of driving on electric power alone. But it does come with start-stop technology and regenerative braking. It's also the first production hybrid to use lithium-ion batteries. The S400 comes with no forced features. The UCS engineers gave the S400 a score of 5.3 on their scorecard, but not the hybrid value is 'very high.'  In other words, the environmental 'bang for your buck' or cost effectiveness of the S400 Hybrid is very high in achieving its environmental performance.

UCS Praises, Condemns New Hybrids

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) have both praised and condemned two of the latest hybrid offerings. The UCS auto engineers feel the...

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07.10

Hybrid Car Brands

Just who is making hybrid cars these days and what brands are considering making hybrid cars in the future? Major Hybrid Car Brands Hybrid cars are currently being built and sold by General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota and Nissan. General Motors builds hybrid cars under several divisions including Saturn, Chevrolet, and GMC.  Ford has the Mercury and Ford divisions.  Toyota sells hybrids under the brand name of Lexus .  While Honda and Nissan just sell hybrids under their own name plates. Toyota Under the Toyota brand name, there are three models currently on sale. The iconic Prius is almost synonymous with hybrid and is the first car most people think of when they think of hybrids. Toyota also sells the Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid under the moniker of Toyota. Toyota also has their luxury division, the Lexus hybrids. Under the Lexus brand name, Toyota sells the HS, LS, RX, and GS Hybrids. They keep adding models under the Lexus nameplate, so expect and IS hybrid to arrive soon. The HS hybrid is a dedicated model like the Prius. The others are subtypes under the model. In other words, you can buy gas-only models, or you can opt for the hybrid engine. Honda Honda sells the Civic Hybrid under their brand name. They also currently sell the only other dedicated hybrid on the road, the Insight. They used to sell a Hybrid Accord, and the two-seater hybrid Insight, but have retired both models. Expect to see Acura Hybrids in the future. Nissan Nissan has only one hybrid model for sale, the Nissan Altima Hybrid. It is built using hybrid technology from Toyota and is sold in only eight US states. Nissan has plans to bring an Infiniti M35 Hybrid to market in the coming year. General Motors (Cadillac, Chevy, Saturn, GMC) They build several models (currently) using the Chevrolet brand. There is the Chevy Malibu and Chevy Silverado. The Chevy Volt, the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), will be out soon and while GM considers the Volt to be a subtype of electric vehicle, it still falls under the hybrid type. GM also builds the GMC Yukon and Sierra. And the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid also falls under the GM brand. The Saturn brand was at one point, the cornerstone for hybrids under the GM umbrella. But Saturn is no more. You can still see the hybrid Vue and Aura on the road today. Ford Ford sells four different models under two different brand names. The Mercury Division sells the Milan and Mariner Hybrid. While Ford retains the Fusion and Escape Hybrid. The Lincoln division will have its own hybrid soon, but it's not here yet. The Mercury hybrids are the upgraded version of the Ford Hybrids, so expect them to be very similar if you take a look at both of them. Chrysler Chrysler sold the Aspen and Durango Hybrids for a total of two months before pulling the plug on both models. The Dodge Durango is very similar to the Chrysler Aspen, and both were built using the dual hybrid technology developed in partnership with BMW and GM. Chrysler at one point had plans to bring a Dodge Ram Hybrid to market, but that seems to be on hold. Hyundai Hyundai is jumping in with both feet in the next year, with the Sonata Hybrid. Distinguishing itself from the other hybrids listed above, it's going to be one of the first hybrids to use lithium polymer battery packs, giving it an advantage over some of the more established hybrid models and brands listed above. Mazda Mazda has sold the Tribute hybrid in very limited numbers.  The Tribute was built using Ford Hybrid technology, when Mazda and Ford were a lot tighter than they are today.  Now Mazda is looking to partner with Toyota for the technology used in the Prius for their future hybrid model in 2013. Fisker and Tesla Fisker and Tesla are both bringing hybrid cars to market (they probably don't appreciate being lumped together given the lawsuits over the past few years). These startups are working hard to go straight to electric or hybrid and are emphasizing performance, rather than fuel efficiency right from the get go. Audi, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Daimler, Ferrari, Lotus, Kia, Maserati, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo Each of the brands mentioned above are attempting their own hybrid models, and several have brought some noteworthy test models to auto shows. Several are on their way to bringing those cars to market right now, but are still a few years away from seeing them on the road in more than just 'test fleets'. Some are closer than others, while some probably have no intention of ever going hybrid unless they are forced to do so by the tighter restrictions being enforced in Europe, Asia and the US in the coming years. Looking for more information on one of the brands above? Either search for the brand name here on this site or use the categories below or on the sidebars.  Each of the major brands listed will have more information that I've accumulated over the years.

Hybrid Car Brands

Just who is making hybrid cars these days and what brands are considering making hybrid cars in the future? Major Hybrid Car Brands Hybrid c...

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08.10

S-Class Getting 81 MPG

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60fFAYDpHR8sa5hHg_tgKxwkhXQiQE8r7xgrpfKI1N-hrUmZMshiJAEuAusxAmZCCL-fMnkCZ4b8cL3vNdvnOZEatO_DVGdE2z2xmC9g1xqFt9RG_DjpBiRDsof_j8kaDsIxb51wP7wg/s1600-h/Mercedes-Benz%20Hybrid%20Plug-in%20S-Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60fFAYDpHR8sa5hHg_tgKxwkhXQiQE8r7xgrpfKI1N-hrUmZMshiJAEuAusxAmZCCL-fMnkCZ4b8cL3vNdvnOZEatO_DVGdE2z2xmC9g1xqFt9RG_DjpBiRDsof_j8kaDsIxb51wP7wg/s320/Mercedes-Benz%20Hybrid%20Plug-in%20S-Class.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercedes-Benz Plans on Building S-Class E-REV</td></tr></tbody></table>Mercedes-Benz is looking to build <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://hybridreview.blogspot.com/2010/01/mercedes-benz-s-class-plug-in-hybrid.html">an S-class plug-in hybrid</a> (actually, from the description, it's an E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle)) that will achieve 81 mpg. More details are coming out according to <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/plug-in-hybrid-for-next-s-class-aiming-for-81-mpg/">CarandDriver</a>.  Mercedes-Benz launched a hybrid S-Class in Japan last September.   The new S-class will mate a 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine-dirct injection and peizo injectors witha 60 hp electric motor. The electric range will be about 20 miles. Mercedes-Benz Thomas Weber feels that the biggest issue with electric cars is the battery. From the expense, charging time, possible overheating, to just the extra weight. Thus, they are looking at the variants which will allow them to use smaller batter packs, but still keep the range and reduce the cost of the vehicle.

S-Class Getting 81 MPG

Mercedes-Benz Plans on Building S-Class E-REV Mercedes-Benz is looking to build an S-class plug-in hybrid (actually, from the description, ...

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08.36

Mercedes F800, a Fuel Cell Plug-in Hybrid

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a alt="Mercedes-Benz F-800 Hybrid Fuel Cell Plug-in" bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtas7NUQyAZymVFLAXxoYbev6BxxP46oLLrdduOKDT1YeAEfwQM1oIb33eCLcKXPMlRhwiDvsWj_2y8ytgX0SDZ2RJg4XASJ1EmwjOSODqJ8yXvW3AeDFKFlCjfs2sHW30JjhcmobPbc/s1600-h/mercedes_benz_f800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Mercedes-Benz F-800 Hybrid Fuel Cell Plug-in"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtas7NUQyAZymVFLAXxoYbev6BxxP46oLLrdduOKDT1YeAEfwQM1oIb33eCLcKXPMlRhwiDvsWj_2y8ytgX0SDZ2RJg4XASJ1EmwjOSODqJ8yXvW3AeDFKFlCjfs2sHW30JjhcmobPbc/s320/mercedes_benz_f800.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercedes-Benz F800, Hybrid Concept</td></tr></tbody></table>Mercedes-Benz will be showing off its F800 concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show, a hydrogen fuel cell plug-in hybrid. According to the press release, the F800 concept can travel 18 miles on an all electric charge, after being plugged in overnight. Once the charge in the lithium-ion battery pack is gone, the fuel cell can power the vehicle for another 375 miles. The result is no emissions, at least while you're driving (electricity production produces emissions at the plant, not the car). Fun features in the five-seater include sliding rear doors, bold fenders and a prominent grille that Mercedes-Benz is telling reporters gives the direction they are heading in for future vehicles.  A new camera touchpad records images of the user's hand and displays it in transparent form above the center console.  A “range on map” shows how far the car can travel in electric mode. The next generation cruise-control will follow the car in front into curves without steering at speeds up to 25 mph.  The Pre-Safe 360 Degree system  will engage the brakes about 600 milliseconds before a rear-end collision to prevent a secondary crash into another car or object. The fuel cell powered engine is under the hood, while the electric motor is near the rear axle. Two of the hydrogen tanks are located between the passengers. The plug-in V-6 hybrid can produce up to 409 hp and can go from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.

Mercedes F800, a Fuel Cell Plug-in Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz F800, Hybrid Concept Mercedes-Benz will be showing off its F800 concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show, a hydrogen fuel cell...

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12.25

Mercedes C-Class Coupe May Have a Hybrid Version

Mercedes will be introducing a C-class coupe to compete with the BMW 1 Series. And now the <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/2011-mercedes-c-class-coupe-revealed.html">inside line</a> is saying Mercedes may be bringing a hybrid version to light as well, possibly in the next couple of years. Mercedes is jumping into the hybrid marketplace with both feet. The <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://hybridreview.blogspot.com/2009/04/2010-mercedes-benz-s400-hybrid.html">S400 Hybrid</a> and <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://hybridreview.blogspot.com/2009/11/mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid-launches-in.html">ML 450 Hybrid</a> have already been introduced here in the US, while <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://hybridreview.blogspot.com/2010/01/mercedes-benz-s-class-plug-in-hybrid.html">a plug-in S-Class</a> is already in the works. The speculation out now is the Mercedes C-Class will be powered by a V-6, 3.5-liter naturally aspirated C-Class, or a smaller unit with twin turbochargers (over 300 hp). The hybrid would mate an electric motor with the V6. Then there may be a twin-turbo V8 on the planning board, too.

Mercedes C-Class Coupe May Have a Hybrid Version

Mercedes will be introducing a C-class coupe to compete with the BMW 1 Series. And now the inside line is saying Mercedes may be bringing ...

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06.58

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Plug-In Hybrid Model in the Planning Stages

Mercedes-Benz will be offering an S-class plug-in hybrid model sometime in the near future according to Autocar (UK). After the initial launch using the S-class, Mercedes-Benz will offer it across the rest of their models. Source: <a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=246141">Autocar.co.uk</a> <blockquote>“It makes a lot of sense to bundle the high-price tech option to the sort of customers willing to pay for this sort of thing,” said Mercedes R&D boss Thomas Weber.</blockquote>A plug-in version of the S-class is anticipated to get over 80 mpg and less than 100g/km of CO2. It seems that a lot of car companies will be following GM (Chevy Volt) and Toyota (Plug-in Prius) into the plug-in world. By offering customers the 'green' electric with the range of comfort of gas engines, the plug-in hybrid may be the next best thing to come along. And it will help car companies meet the newer stricter guidelines being set across Europe and the US in fuel economy across the entire line-up of cars.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Plug-In Hybrid Model in the Planning Stages

Mercedes-Benz will be offering an S-class plug-in hybrid model sometime in the near future according to Autocar (UK). After the initial lau...

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07.37

The ML450 Hybrid Makes Debut at the LA Auto Show

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgFcdGkfcIzm_aKcQyMMXGzFDUEVuih9FFZTnzkhMkTyQBGAMXMrYBueUkhwWKG5y1N_7WOQJupAC0ojUIJYaxMfS6gStlJMwKprIZifoLDhPCg9Qi36K7lPzlqOVFlXFxkEe62z8-i8/s1600/ML-450-Hybrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgFcdGkfcIzm_aKcQyMMXGzFDUEVuih9FFZTnzkhMkTyQBGAMXMrYBueUkhwWKG5y1N_7WOQJupAC0ojUIJYaxMfS6gStlJMwKprIZifoLDhPCg9Qi36K7lPzlqOVFlXFxkEe62z8-i8/s320/ML-450-Hybrid.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>The Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid will be at the L.A. Auto Show according to Mercedes-Benz. It will be on display along with the 563-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell. The Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each magneto-electric motor is dedicated to a specific purpose -- one for pulling away under electric power, the other specifically for acceleration. With both electric motors, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque.

The ML450 Hybrid Makes Debut at the LA Auto Show

The Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid will be at the L.A. Auto Show according to Mercedes-Benz. It will be on display along with the 563-horsepowe...

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10.05

Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid Launches in November as Lease Only

Mercedes-Benz will launch the ML450 Hybrid on November 16. The full hybrid V6 will get 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. It will also produce 275-hp. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a alt="Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid" bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6yBLZCJXL4SlduyaFDkOR5ndXQmCn7_OA4d7g_fmPxwX7yjgUSkboqMX9Y-NMISRKHVTerTXmLpRzZHKj9gNFje_QqtKwy1EmKrUcpW_VYxu9UXxmQb75r1pJXTuf7LjM2-3ByXi1NM/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-ML450-Hybrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6yBLZCJXL4SlduyaFDkOR5ndXQmCn7_OA4d7g_fmPxwX7yjgUSkboqMX9Y-NMISRKHVTerTXmLpRzZHKj9gNFje_QqtKwy1EmKrUcpW_VYxu9UXxmQb75r1pJXTuf7LjM2-3ByXi1NM/s320/Mercedes-Benz-ML450-Hybrid.jpg" /></a> </div>The ML450 Hybrid will be Mercedes-Benz second hybrid model, the first being <a bitly="BITLY_PROCESSED" href="http://hybridreview.blogspot.com/2009/04/2010-mercedes-benz-s400-hybrid.html">the S400 Hybrid</a>. The ML450 Hybrid will be offered as part of a special lease only option (no purchase) for a monthly lease price of $659 per month for 36 months and $549 per month for 60 months. From the press release: The ML450 HYBRID fulfills the same crash test requirements and offers outstanding active safety with stability control systems such as ESP, ABS and BAS, as well as 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The integration of the hybrid technology has been engineered to require no additional packaging space that would compromise comfort or functionality. The space available in the passenger cabin is as generous as before and the trunk capacity remains fully intact. From the outside, the ML450 HYBRID is recognizable by its modified hood, the BlueEFFICIENCY logo on the fender and by the HYBRID badge on its tailgate. The New ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each electric motor serves a specific purpose. Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft of torque. Located closer to the gasoline engine, the second electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque. Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 hp and 381 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that's enclosed under the rear cargo floor. A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance. During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. The ML450 HYBRID can drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph. On hard acceleration, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and it works seamlessly with the two electric motors for excellent performance. The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine -- for example, when coasting up to a red light -- and re-starts it during acceleration. During braking and coasting, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the SUV and recovering kinetic energy. Under heavy braking, the vehicle's conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the SUV runs only on the electric motors.