Mercedes-Benz has released images and information on three concepts in what it calls ‘electromobility’ that it will show at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The German company says the concepts are based on a single vehicle architecture, which it says is an intelligent, modular concept that allows three models with different drive configurations, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility.

The concepts are: the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone; the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometres using electric drive and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender). This version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometres and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometres using electric drive alone.

Mercedes-Benz says the three BlueZERO variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems.

Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody.

The five-seater BlueZERO concept cars also set standards in terms of lightweight design, interior layout and body form.

“The flexible BlueZERO concept allows electromobility for every requirement and highlights the fact that Mercedes-Benz is the world’s only car manufacturer to already have in place all the key technologies for electric cars offering full everyday practicality”, said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The company says all three BlueZERO variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical.

Measuring just 4.22 metres in length, the BlueZERO models combine compact exterior dimensions with a generously proportioned and variable interior and luggage compartment.
Five fully-fledged seats, a payload of around 450 kilograms and a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 litres make for outstanding everyday practicality.

Thanks to their sandwich construction with a raised sitting position, the cars also offer an exceptionally high level of crash safety for the passengers and the technology, not to mention excellent all-round visibility.

All three BlueZERO models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car.
The Mercedes engineers have put together a modular system comprising several flexibly combinable drive components.

These include state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity of up to 35 kWh and the compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100kW (continuous output 70kW), which develops a peak torque of 320Nm.

All three variants accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in less than 11 seconds. Their top speed is electronically limited to 150km/h in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency.