2011 Mercedes Class B F-Cell

Mercedes has released official images of new B-Class F-Cell, the first hydrogen-powered car built in series by the German group. The first 200 copies will be delivered in 2010 and this model, along with the Smart Electric Drive, Mercedes is the response of the increasing demands on individual mobility environmentally friendly. The Class B, with 400 km range, is designed for everyday use outside the city limits, thanks to its 136 hp electric motor powered by a fuel cell-type fuel cells PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell) chosen for its ability to operate at 80 degrees Celsius with a very short heating time.

Daimler is working also with regard to the necessary infrastructure for the introduction of the markets for these models: the public charging points, combined with the home network of customers are a key element, but the points of supply of hydrogen are still much less common: the commitment made by other manufacturers for the introduction of hydrogen vehicles by 2015 also provides for agreements with the governments of various nations and a standardization of recharge and refuel. Another key element will be represented by incentives, some governments have already given incentives to electric cars, others will do in the future.

Specifically, Mercedes has already forged partnerships with EnBW, Linde, OMV, Shell, Total, Vattenfall and NOW GmbH (Nationale Organisation Wasserstoff-und Brennstoffzellentechnologie) for the establishment of hydrogen filling stations in Germany, with a first phase of experimentation which ends in 2011, when it evaluated the success of the initiative to Stuttgart airport has been operating since June of 2009 the first public station, built by OMV.