The newest version of the electric Smart, set for demonstration projects in the US and Germany, will instead use lithium ion batteries that should give the car close to a 100 miles of range. Conversion of the Smart to electric drive is relatively simple compared to most vehicles since its original design incorporates a “sandwich” floor designed to accommodate alternative powertrains. The sandwich design is also critical to the car’s crashworthiness. What Daimler calls “small series” production of the electric two-seater will start at the end of 2009.

Daimler will use same lithium ion cells for the Smart batteries being used in the company’s hybrid heavy-duty buses. Daimler sees this strategy as a way to amortize the high cost of the batteries and extend the technology. Since the buses are further along—many are in real-world service—proven technology can be scaled down to Smart. Most of the industry is going in the opposite direction—trying to scale up lithium batteries for cars from use in small electronic devices.

The batteries aren’t the only anticipated change in the electric Smart. If and when the electric minicar comes to the US, Daimler is likely to move away from the “Smart ED” name. The letters “ED” is likely draw a blank for American consumers. The more common “EV”—for electric vehicles—is better known (although mostly to fans of battery-powered cars.)

The new generation of Smart EDs could also have new high-tech gear: an onboard charging unit that communicates with a charging station. This could be put to test in the upcoming Berlin deployment, conducted in conjunction with the German utility RWE. According to Daimler, the new charging unit will ensure that the battery is automatically charged with low-priced electricity when the network is not used to full capacity, for example at off-peak times. In other words, the Smart could come equipt with a “smart” charging mete

A bus by the name of “Tindo” has debuted in Australia today. This free-ride, air-conditioned 42-passenger bus is powered by 11 zebra sodium-nickel batteries that can provide the big green bus 124 miles worth of travel on a full charge.

“Tindo” still has to be plug-in due to the fact the lack of space on the roof of the bus to supply the amount of solar panels it needs to fully charge the batteries. The docking station is currently being retro fitted with solar panels to be use to charge up “Tindo” when its docking.

GM reveiled its newest GM hybrid truck at the Chicago Auto Show this week!

Take a look at the monster GM hybrid truck! This truck is equip with a two-mode hybrid drivetrain with direct injection 4.9 liters V8 pushing 326hp. This concept truck gets 50% greater fuel economy then any other small pickup truck,

The Denali XT Hybrid Concept truck also has an air ride suspension to increase aerodynamics of the truck.

Porsche has announce on plans of a hybrid Panamera, Porsche four-door sport sedan! The Panamera will have a gasoline-electric hybrid driveline when it goes on sale in 2009.

The full parallel-hybrid system of the Panamera will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment. The hybrid module containing an additional clutch and electric motor will be between the engine and transmission.
The word for Porsche is that the hybrid module will be able to run on gasoline or electric power or a combination of both. The goal is for zero emissions, fuel savings in city and highway driving and maximum performance when desired.

Automotive spy photographer Brenda Priddy said the Panamera is scheduled to be shown at the 2009 Geneva show in early March.

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