Mercedes-Benz F-Cell
Encyclopedia
The F-Cell is a hydrogen fuel cell 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 miles (160.9 km), with a top speed of 82 mph (132 km/h). The current B-Class F-CELL has a more powerful electric engine rated at 100 kW (134 horsepower), and a range of about 250 miles (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.
There are 60 F-Cell vehicles leased to customers in the USA, Europe, Singapore and Japan.
announced that a limited run of 500 2010 A-Class
based F-Cells will be produced and leased to European customers.
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.
(5000 PSI
) hydrogen tank
s for hydrogen storage
contain enough fuel for a 248 miles (399.1 km) drive. Using 700 Bar
(10000 PSI
) tanks the range is extended with 70 % to 421 miles (677.5 km).
Fuel cell vehicle
A Fuel cell vehicle or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle is a type of hydrogen vehicle which uses a fuel cell to produce electricity, powering its on-board electric motor...
developed by Daimler AG. Two different versions are known - the previous version was based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a mini MPV produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation was introduced in 1997, and the all-new second generation model appeared in late 2004. Launched as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a...
, and the new model is based on the Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a small family car introduced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in March 2005. It is essentially an enlarged A-Class keeping the same engine and suspension system...
. The first generation F-Cell was introduced in 2002, and had a range of 100 miles (160.9 km), with a top speed of 82 mph (132 km/h). The current B-Class F-CELL has a more powerful electric engine rated at 100 kW (134 horsepower), and a range of about 250 miles (402 km). This improvement in range is due in part to the B-Class's greater space for holding tanks of compressed hydrogen
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the chemical element with atomic number 1. It is represented by the symbol H. With an average atomic weight of , hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element, constituting roughly 75% of the Universe's chemical elemental mass. Stars in the main sequence are mainly...
, 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
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, also known as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells , are a type of fuel cell being developed for transport applications as well as for stationary fuel cell applications and portable fuel cell applications. Their distinguishing features include lower...
(PEMFC), designed by the Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC) Corporation.
There are 60 F-Cell vehicles leased to customers in the USA, Europe, Singapore and Japan.
Production
In September, 2010, Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
announced that a limited run of 500 2010 A-Class
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a mini MPV produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation was introduced in 1997, and the all-new second generation model appeared in late 2004. Launched as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a...
based F-Cells will be produced and leased to European customers.
In December 2010, began its B-Class
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a small family car introduced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in March 2005. It is essentially an enlarged A-Class keeping the same engine and suspension system...
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.
Hydrogen storage
The 350 BarBar (unit)
The bar is a unit of pressure equal to 100 kilopascals, and roughly equal to the atmospheric pressure on Earth at sea level. Other units derived from the bar are the megabar , kilobar , decibar , centibar , and millibar...
(5000 PSI
Pounds per square inch
The pound per square inch or, more accurately, pound-force per square inch is a unit of pressure or of stress based on avoirdupois units...
) hydrogen tank
Hydrogen tank
A Hydrogen tank is used for hydrogen storage. The first type IV hydrogen tanks for compressed hydrogen at 700 Bar were demonstrated in 2001, the first fuel cell vehicles on the road with type IV tanks are the Toyota FCHV, Mercedes-Benz F-Cell and the HydroGen4.At the hydrogen station Hamburg...
s for hydrogen storage
Hydrogen storage
Hydrogen storage describes the methods for storing H2 for subsequent use. The methods span many approaches, including high pressures, cryogenics, and chemical compounds that reversibly release H2 upon heating...
contain enough fuel for a 248 miles (399.1 km) drive. Using 700 Bar
Bar (unit)
The bar is a unit of pressure equal to 100 kilopascals, and roughly equal to the atmospheric pressure on Earth at sea level. Other units derived from the bar are the megabar , kilobar , decibar , centibar , and millibar...
(10000 PSI
Pounds per square inch
The pound per square inch or, more accurately, pound-force per square inch is a unit of pressure or of stress based on avoirdupois units...
) tanks the range is extended with 70 % to 421 miles (677.5 km).
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).
- On May 31, 2006, Daimler revealed that select individuals in California would be able to take their driving examination in an F-Cell.
- On July 6, 2006, Daimler leased 1 F-Cell to DHLDHLDHL Express is a division of the German logistics company Deutsche Post providing international express mail services. DHL is a world market leader in sea and air mail....
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.
- On June 21, 2011, Daimler announced it was moving up commercialization of the B-Class F-CELL to 2014
External links
- Road test on USAtoday.com
- News on the German Chancellor taking delivery of an F-Cell
- Driving Impression by Tom Bird of Channel4 - Website is now defunct, so this link uses the Wayback Machine
- "Wayne State Police Department to operate world's first police fuel cell powered vehicle"
- UCLA-Driving the F-Cell