Daimler, Nissan B-Class tie up could have interesting plug-in ramifications

The Daimler and Nissan/Renault alliance will lead to an Infiniti crossover that uses the Mercedes B-Class platform. Could a shared plug-in hybrid architecture be next?

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-cell Plus plug-in hybrid

Might Nissan consider plug-in hybrids?

Daimler is set to share its Merecedes-Benz MFA small car platform with its alliance partner Renault-Nissan for a new B-class Infiniti crossover that is due out in 2014 according to AutoWeek.

Interestingly, that’s the same platform that Mercedes Benz used to debut a new plug-in hybrid, the E-cell Plus plug-in hybrid, at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Already, Daimler and Renault-Nissan are planning to co-develop 4-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines for the vehicles in this segment. Might plug-in technologies be next, such as the plug-in hybrid technology already set to power the E-Cell plug-in set for a 2013 launch?

The E-cell Plus is propelled by a 136-hp electric motor/lithium battery combo that enables up to 62 miles of EV range, although a 67-hp, turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine can help power the front wheels at speeds above 37 mph. Total range is 370 miles.

Might Nissan want a taste of this plug-in hybrid drive?

Or, maybe Nissan could upgrade their new proprietary hybrid drive into a similar plug-in hybrid architecture that could, for instance, share the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine to be used in the E-cell plug-in?

Sure, that’s all speculation for now, but if you’re going to share everything else in the B-segment, why not at least some aspects of a plug-in hybrid drive as well?

Source: AutoWeek

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