Quoted as the first fuel-cell powered electric vehicle available in the U.S., the B-Class F-CELL features an electric motor that develops 136 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, which draws energy from the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen.
In comparison, the front-wheel drive B200 that’s sold in Canada (the U.S. market never offered the B-Class) produces 134 horsepower and 136 lb-ft, so the F-CELL shouldn’t be a slouch.
Three hermetically-sealed tanks each hold 8.8 lbs of hydrogen that doesn’t escape, even after extended periods of time. The car’s range is estimated by the EPA at 190 miles (304 km), although Mercedes claims the Euro driving cycle rates it at 240 miles (384 km).
Five public hydrogen filling stations are currently set up in the greater Los Angeles area, and four more are scheduled to open by the end of the year. Mercedes-Benz is planning to start leasing the B-Class F-CELL before the end of 2010, and by 2012, they expect a total of 200 on the roads of California and Europe.
In comparison, the front-wheel drive B200 that’s sold in Canada (the U.S. market never offered the B-Class) produces 134 horsepower and 136 lb-ft, so the F-CELL shouldn’t be a slouch.
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| Photo: Newspress.co.uk |
Three hermetically-sealed tanks each hold 8.8 lbs of hydrogen that doesn’t escape, even after extended periods of time. The car’s range is estimated by the EPA at 190 miles (304 km), although Mercedes claims the Euro driving cycle rates it at 240 miles (384 km).
Five public hydrogen filling stations are currently set up in the greater Los Angeles area, and four more are scheduled to open by the end of the year. Mercedes-Benz is planning to start leasing the B-Class F-CELL before the end of 2010, and by 2012, they expect a total of 200 on the roads of California and Europe.