Mercedes-Benz is launching its first production model hydrogen fuel cell car, a zero-emission version of the compact B-Class so popular in Europe for its size and fuel efficiency. The hydrogen fuel cell B-Class gets the equivalent of 60mpg -- on diesel. Word is the first production run will be 200 vehicles, which will be leased to customers in the USA and Europe beginning early in 2010.
The launch of the B-Class F-CELL makes Mercedes the third auto maker to put a production hydrogen fuel cell car on the road. Honda was first, with its stunning Honda FCX Clarity sedan -- FCX stands for fuel cell experimental, but it's no experiment. The Honda FCX Clarity received the prestigious Green Car of the Year award at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. There also is a fleet of Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell SUVs on the road. The Honda and the Chevrolet also are leased to their users.
However, unlike the Honda and Chevrolet fuel cell vehicles, the Mercedes is diesel powered. Yes, my friends, a diesel hydrogen fuel cell. So we need some new initials to describe this -- DHFC anyone?
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL reportedly refuels in three minutes, and packs the same powerful Lithium-Ion batteries as the new Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid sedan. Mercedes says this hydrogen fuel cell model has better performance than a similar 2.0-litre car powered by conventional gas or diesel, and gets approximately 60mph, which is the equivalent of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).
According to Gas2.0, a key feature of the new model is its ability to perform cold starts, which has been a major weakness of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles so far. The B-Class F-CELL reportedly cell can spark up in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, similar to the Honda FCX Clarity -- the beauty pictured here -- which can start from minus 30 degrees Celsius.
I have not heard if this revolutionary new fuel cell design -- revolutionary because it is a diesel -- will be at the Mercedes-Benz pavillion at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, but I suspect it will. And your trusty Green Car Examiner will be there, ready to tell you everything.
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source: examiner
