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New Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive goes in to production

The first Mercedes B-Class ED (pictured) rolls off the production line in Rastatt With the BMW i3 grabbing headlines – and flying out of showrooms – as BMW’s first electric car, Mercedes need to play catch-up with a convincing EV of their own, and that’s the new B-Class Electric Drive – an EV version of the regular B-Class – which has now gone in to production in Germany. Built alongside regular ICE versions of the B-Class at Mercedes’ Rastatt Plant, the B-Class ED (Electric Drive) looks practically the same as its more conventionally powered siblings – although the front bumper does look a bit different – and has an electric motor good for 177 bhp and 250 lb/ft of torque, can manage a scoot to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and has a range of up to 124 miles. The range – at least the quoted range – is a chunk better than the BMW i3′s and on a par with the latest Nissan LEAF, thanks to EV technology provided by Tesla, and the wrapping of an EV drivetrain in a conventional series production car could appeal to more buyers than the ‘statement’ design of the BMW i3.

Peugeot HYbrid3 Evolution concept (2009) revealed

Peugeot’s car division has lagged miles behind rivals when it comes to hybrids – its first doesn’t go on sale until 2011. But it’s all different on the bike side of the company, which could be among the first to introduce a hybrid scooter. The three-wheel Hybrid3 Evolution has a supercharged 300cc petrol engine that sends 41bhp to the single rear wheel, and a pair of electric motors delivering a total of 8bhp to the twin front wheels.

First Sight: Renault Radiance concept truck

At this years IAA truck exhibition in Hannover, Germany, Renault Trucks surprised everyone by presenting a dynamic look into its future with the 'Radiance' concept truck. By capitalising on the cultural heritage of the brand, based on the three values of efficiency, 'caring and daring', and innovation, Renault Trucks have produced what they imagine to be a 'dream truck' which outlines their truck design language for the future. Xavier Allard, the design cheif of Renault Trucks explains his newest creation: "It should give people a look into a new chapter in the history of Renault Trucks".