Mercedes-Benz reveals new research vehicle with fuel cell drive

Powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive the compact-class car with a family-friendly design consumes the equivalent of 2.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and has an operating range in excess of 400 kilometres.

"This represents a major step towards bringing the fuel cell drive up to full production maturity, a goal that Mercedes-Benz aims to achieve some time between 2012 and 2015," said Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, Dubai. "By developing the fuel cell, we are creating a new basis for supplying energy in tomorrow's vehicles which will make a further lasting improvement to their environmental compatibility."

In addition to the fuel cell technology, the Mercedes-Benz research vehicle also showcases an operating concept with virtual displays, new-style seats and other technologies designed to enhance safety and passenger comfort.

Fuel cells use the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power in a process that produces no emissions.

"We have made some crucial advances to this trailblazing technology. The fuel cell in the F 600 HYGENIUS is around 40 per cent more compact than previously, runs more efficiently than ever and is not able for its good cold-start characteristics," said Professor Herbert Kohler, Director of Vehicle Body and Drive Research at DaimlerChrysler. "This has been achieved thanks to the inclusion of innovations such as the redesigned fuel stacks, an electric turbocharger and a new humidification and dehumidification system."

The F 600 HYGENIUS achieves a maximum power output of 115 hp combined with a peak torque of 350 Newton metres. The fuel cell drive alone generates a constant power output of 82 hp and a torque of 250 Newton metres. With any surplus energy being stored in a powerful lithium-ion battery, the system acts in a similar fashion to a hybrid drive, selecting the best power source to use depending on the driving situation.