Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL Hydrogen unveiled
August 31, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its hydrogen-powered B-Class F-CELL, a car it says will produce similar power outputs to that of a 2.0-litre petrol vehicle while contributing zero emissions.
The F-CELL will be tested in both the EU and the US and will develop 100kW/289Nm from an electric motor. At the same time the F-CELL manages a fuel economy rate equivalent to 3.3 litres per 100km (or a cruising range of roughly 400 kilometres).
Mercedes-Benz has utilised the latest generation fuel cell system, as well as a lithium-ion battery pack, which is encased beneath the B-Class’ floor. Mercedes has as improved the system’s temperature range, with the B-Class F-CELL capable of function in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius.
200 examples of the F-CELL will be used in fleet testing from next year as Mercedes-Benz works closely with governments, utility companies and oil companies (in both Germany and California, US) to speed the development of hydrogen infrastructure.
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mercedes,bmw and honda are on the right path with fuelcell vehicles
It will be interesting which technology will win the market. Either way… car companies seem to be playing all possible fields…
Rocket_v6, don’t forget Hyundai-KIA. They have the hydrogen Borrego FCEV.
perhaps Hydrogen and Plug-in Electric vehicles may co-exist like petrol and diesel?
I really hope that this sort of engine is what makes it in the end. I’d much rather an Aston Martin with a fuel cell than one that I plug in at night and it’s cars like this that’s technology will eventually make it into cars like Aston Martins and Porsches.
Now all they need to do is get it out of the rather undesirable, rather ugly and rather un-classy B Class. Could it not at least have gone in the C Class?
I suspect that the optimum package will be Fuel Cell – Battery Electric. This will cost more to manufacture and therefore be more expensive than Battery only electric, but will have the advantage of longer range, the ability to refuel, plus the capacity to recharge off the mains electricity while parked.
Plug in Battery Electric should be cheaper due to less componants, but will lack the ability for long range driving. It will be ideal for commuting / shopping / city transport of less than 200 km per day. (worth considering as the second car in a 2 car household)
When is the new A and B-Class’ arriving?
everyone seems to have forgotten GM’s recent hydrogen efforts. All major manufacturers eem to be playing all their card sto see how the public will react.
can anybody tell me what a litre of hydrogen is worth?and how does it compare to electric power?(ininial cost,running cost,depreciation)i would think that electric power would be a very clear winner…
“can anybody tell me what a litre of hydrogen is worth”
Its sold by weight, last I heard was about $5USD per Kg. So a Honda FCX Clarity will cost about $25USD to fill up and give you about 550kms range. Impossible to calculate depreciation because you can’t buy a H2 car anywhere.
Actually Shak, GM had the first ever H2 car or Van as they called it back in the mid 60’s. I was called the electrovan.