Mercedes-Benz Brings Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles To U.S.

Mercedes-Benz is introducing the new B-Class F-CELL, the first series production fuel-cell powered electric vehicle available in the U.S. Selected customers will take delivery of the first lease vehicles before the end of 2010. Within two years, 200 of these cars will be on the roads in California and Europe.

With an operating range of around 240 miles and short refueling times, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL combines local zero-emissions mobility with long-distance comfort and compelling performance figures. The technical basis for the drive system of the B-Class F-CELL is the optimized, new-generation fuel cell system. This is some 40 percent smaller than the system in the A-Class F-CELL – which has been undergoing practical trials in the U.S. since 2004 – but generates 30 percent more power, while consuming 30 percent less fuel. The cold-start capability of the B-Class F-CELL is down to minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 136 hp electric motor in the B-Class F-CELL develops a powerful torque of 214 lb-ft from standstill and delivers driving pleasure and dynamics on par with a two-liter gasoline engine.

At the heart of the B-Class F-CELL is the new-generation electric drive system powered by fuel cell, which is compact, powerful, safe, and fully suitable for everyday use. The fuel cell generates the electric drive power directly on-board the vehicle from the chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen, which produces absolutely no harmful emissions – only pure water. The key drive components are located in the sandwich floor, where they are well-protected. This space-saving arrangement also leaves the vehicle interior and trunk fully usable.

The hydrogen used to run the fuel cell is stored in three tanks at a pressure of 10,150 psi. Each tank holds just under 8.8 lbs of the gaseous fuel. The tanks are hermetically sealed, preventing the escape of hydrogen into the atmosphere, even if the vehicle is left to stand for long periods. Thanks to this high-pressure fuel storage, the B-Class F-CELL can cover a distance of up to 240 miles on a full tank, more than twice the range of the 2004 A-Class F-CELL. Once the tanks are empty, they can be filled simply and quickly in less than 3 minutes, thanks to a standardized refueling system.

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