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We have reported that Mercedes-Benz B-Class f-cell, the world's first series production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, is going in to limited production at the end of 2009. Besides, the company is also working on another fuel-cell B-Class concept, called BlueZERO E-Cell Plus.
First debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus is still on the stage of a Concept car. However, it’s expected to production in near future. Recently, Mercedes-Benz has reveiled the "near-production" BlueZERO E-Cell Plus Concept, which will also come to the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Based on the existing A Class / B Class platform, the BlueZERO E-Cell combines gets a 1.0 litre 3-pot turbo petrol engine with a compact electric motor. The petrol engine producing 67 bhp, is used to charge the 18KWh lithium-ion batteries that drive the electric motor that produces 100kw and 320 Nm of torque. As such, the car springs from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 11 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h (93 mph).
The BlueZERO E-Cell Plus Concept can travel up to 100 km (62 miles) on electric power alone, before the gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the lithium-ion batteries, enabling an extended range of 500km (300 miles).
It is worth mentioning the recharging technology used in the car. Due to the special 20 kW rapid charger, the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus can be recharged for 50km trips in just 30 minutes and fully charged in about an hour. However, if you use a standard 3.3 kW household outlet, it will take up to six hours for fully charged.
Some carmakers use the color blue to denote their ecologically advanced vehicles and drivetrains, such as Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO electric vehicle concepts, which include the E-Cell, F-Cell and E-Cell Plus. One of concepts, Mercedes-Benz B-Class f-cell, the world's first series production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, is set to production at the end of 2009. Initially, there will be only 200 models available in the United States and Europe.
The B-Class F-CELL is going to be a milestone for Mercedes-Benz. "The B-Class F-CELL is taking on a pioneering role as the world's first fuel cell powered automobile to be produced under series production conditions." According to Mercedes.
Based on Mercedes-Benz's B-Class platform, the front-wheel drive B-Class f-cell combines a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell system with an electric motor, producing an output of 100kW (136hp) and peak torque is 290Nm. The reason for its power is the gaseous hydrogen which reacts with atmospheric oxygen at 700 bar to generate a current for the electric motor. The performance figure is comparable to a 2.0-liter gas-powered vehicle. Its top speed reaches 170km/h (105.6 mph), just 26km/h (16.2 mph) less than the naturally aspirated B200.
The fuel cell system uses a1.4 khw lithium-ion battery to capture and store any energy wasted during acceleration and braking. The battery serves the additional purpose of providing a back up power source for the electric motor. With a recharge time of only three minutes, the car will be able to run for 250 miles.
As for fuel cell vehicles, it’s difficult to start in cold weather. However, Mercedes has solved the problem successfully. The B-Class F-CELL is capable of starting even at minus 25 degrees Celsius (-13 F).
This environmentally friendly vehicle manages to run with zero emissions. It also boasts a fuel consumption figure equivalent to 3.3 litres of diesel per 100km in the Euro cycle (71.2 mpg US), or a range of 400km (248.5 mi). The fuel efficiency is 86.6 mpg on the European combined cycle.
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz basic accessories such as leather upholstery, automatic climate control and the COMAND system are equipped.
