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 (161 km), with a top speed of 82 mph (132 km/h). The current B-Class F-CELL has a more powerful electric motor rated at 100 kW (134 hp), and a range of about 250 mi (402 km). 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.

Daimler AG F-Cell
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler AG
Production	2002 (Concept car) 2010 (B-Class F-CELL)
Body and chassis
Class	Fuel Cell
Dimensions
Length	3,840 mm (151.2 in)
Width	1,764 mm (69.4 in)
Height	1,593 mm (62.7 in)

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 (399 km) drive.^[2] Using 700 Bar (10000 PSI) tanks the range is extended 70% to 421 mi (678 km).^[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

• 
  Original A-Class based F-Cell.
• 
  Original A-Class based F-Cell.
• 
  B-Class based F-Cell exhibited at the 2010 Washington Auto Show.

See also

• List of fuel cell vehicles