Starting late this month Mercedes-Benz will write another chapter in its 125-year automotive history with the first global circumnavigation by a fuel cell-powered electric vehicle.
The trip will be undertaken by the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL – the world’s first series-produced fuel cell vehicle - and Mercedes’ says the circumnavigation will highlight its suitability for everyday use and lobby for a global network of hydrogen filling stations.
Australia is on the itinerary for the 125-day trip which heads through southern Europe, North America, Canada, China, Kazakhstan and back to northern Europe, finishing at Benz’ home in Stuttgart, Germany.
Linde AG has established a worldwide series of hydrogen filling stations for the B-Class F-CELL (range between refills about 400kms) and in remote areas a tank truck will tag along to supply the required hydrogen.
“With this unique circumnavigation of the world we are emphasizing the high level of technical maturity of our electric vehicles with fuel cell,” explained Mercedes’ Dr Thomas Weber. “Such an undertaking would not be possible using purely battery-powered electric vehicles.”
