Mercedes-Benz Launches Fuel Cell Electric B-Class
Mercedes-Benz has launched the first series-produced zero-emission fuel cell car - the B-Class F-CELL.
Production starts later this year with deliveries to markets in Europe and North America early in 2010.
Power for the special B-Class model comes from a compact, high performance fuel cell system in which hydrogen reacts with oxygen at high pressure (700 bar) to generate a current for the 100kW/290Nm electric motor.
Crucial to the success of the vehicle carrying a Mercedes-Benz badge is the driving dynamics and after testing more than 100 vehicles over 4.5 million kilometers, the company says the B-Class F-CELL provides performance equivalent to a 2.0-litre petrol car with ride and handling to match - but with zero emissions.
The zero-emissions 'Benz has a top speed of 170 km/h, a range of 400 kilometers and only takes three minutes to refuel. Mercedes-Benz is working with Government authorities, energy utilities and oil companies in joint projects to develop the comprehensive network of hydrogen filling stations required to make the B-Class F-CELL an everyday solution for customers.
Cold starts - a challenge for fuel cell vehicles especially in the Northern hemisphere winters - have been overcome and the B-Class F-CELL can handle temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees centigrade.
Mercedes-Benz has gone with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.4kWh and output of 35kW. Compared to traditional batteries, lithium-ion delivers high performance, great recharge efficiency and a long service life.
In addition, the compact dimensions of lithium-ion batteries have been crucial in the packaging of the B-Class F-CELL. It's unique sandwich floor houses the driveline components between the two layers (where they are protected and don't intrude on interior space) and provides a normal interior plus a 416 liter boot capacity.
Inside are most of the normal luxury features one expects from Mercedes-Benz including leather seats, seat heating, automatic climate control air-conditioning and the COMAND-system vehicle management.
