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Mercedes-Benz F-Cell

The F-Cell is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle developed by Daimler AG. Two different versions are known - the previous version was based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and the new model is based on the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The first generation F-Cell was introduced in 2002, and had a range of 100 mi, with a top speed of 82 mph. The current B-Class F-CELL has a more powerful electric motor rated at 100 kW, and a range of about 250 mi. This improvement in range is due in part to the B-Class's greater space for holding tanks of compressed hydrogen, higher storage pressure, as well as fuel cell technology advances. Both cars have made use of a "sandwich" design concept, aimed at maximizing room for both passengers and the propulsion components. The fuel cell is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), designed by the Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC) Corporation.

There are 60 F-Cell vehicles leased to customers in the USA, Europe, Singapore and Japan.

Production

In December 2010, began its B-Class based F-Cell lease program with the first delivery to Vince Van Patten, with a further 69 to be on the roads in California by 2010.[1]

Hydrogen storage

The 350 Bar (5000 PSI) hydrogen tanks for hydrogen storage contain enough fuel for a 248 mi drive.[2] Using 700 Bar (10000 PSI) tanks the range is extended 70% to 421 mi.[3]

Notable publicity

  • On May 23, 2006, Daimler announced that its fuel cell vehicle fleets had achieved a combined mileage of over 2 million kilometers (1.24 million miles).[4]
  • On May 31, 2006, Daimler revealed that select individuals in California would be able to take their driving examination in an F-Cell.[5]
  • On July 6, 2006, Daimler leased 1 F-Cell to DHL Japan as delivery car in Tokyo area.
  • On January 30, 2011, three F-Cell vehicles start on a 125-day long-lasting journey around the world.[6]
  • On June 21, 2011, Daimler announced it was moving up commercialization of the B-Class F-CELL to 2014[7]
  • On Jan 31, 2014 YouTube video uploaded of new F-cell fuel cell, no information known otherwise.[8]

Recognition

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell was selected by Green Car Journal as one of the five finalists to the 2012 Green Car Vision Award.[9][10]

Gallery

See also

  • List of fuel cell vehicles

External links

References

  1. US: Mercedes B-Class F-Cell now available in California Automotive World, 16 December 2010, retrieved 2010-12-19^
  2. Concept BlueZERO Autobloggreen.com, retrieved 2010-12-19^
  3. Daimler is increasing the pressure: extended operating range for fuel cell vehicles | Daimler Global Media Site > Technology > Fuel Cells Media.daimler.com, 2008-07-04, retrieved 2010-12-19^
  4. Sebastian Blanco. DaimlerChrysler fuel cell fleet passes two million kilometer mark Autobloggreen.com, 2006-05-30, retrieved 2010-12-19^
  5. California Residents Use Fuel Cell-Powered Mercedes To Get Their Driver's License Emercedesbenz.com, 2006-05-31, retrieved 2010-12-19^
  6. Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive in Europe: Legs 1-5 Emercedesbenz.com, 2011-02-14, retrieved 2011-05-24^
  7. Anita Lienert. Mercedes-Benz Fuel-Cell Car Ready for Market in 2014 Insideline.com, 2011-06-21, retrieved 2012-04-25^
  8. Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL - into the desert serves as water supply | AutoMotoTV YouTube, 31 January 2014^
  9. Danny King. Tesla Model S, BMW i3 among 2012 Green Car Vision finalists Autoblog Green, 2012-01-13, retrieved 2012-01-13^
  10. Sebastian Blkanco. Ford C-Max Energi wins 2012 Green Car Vision Award Autoblog Green, 2012-01-26, retrieved 2012-01-26^