Mercedes-Benz F-Cell
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DaimlerChrysler F-Cell | |
Manufacturer: | DaimlerChrysler AG |
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Class: | Fuel Cell |
Length: | 3.840 meters |
Width: | 1.764 meters |
Height: | 1.593 meters |
Similar: | Honda FCX |
The F-Cell is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle developed by DaimlerChrysler. Two different versions are known - the current one based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and a concept vehicle for a future version based on the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The first generation F-Cell was introduced in 2002, and had a range of 100 miles, with a top speed of 82 miles per hour. There are 60 F-Cell vehicles leased to customers in the USA, Europe, Singapore and Japan. The future, B-Class based F-Cell has a more powerful electric engine rated at 100 kW (134 horsepower), and a range of about 250 miles. 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 Ballard Power Systems.
[edit] Notable Publicity
On May 23, 2006, DaimlerChrysler announced that its fuel cell vehicle fleets had achieved a combined mileage of over 2 million kilometers (1.24 million miles). [1]
On May 31, 2006, DaimlerChrysler revealed that select individuals in California would be able to take their driving examination in an F-Cell. [2]
On July 6, 2006, DaimlerChrysler leased 1 F-Cell to DHL Japan as delivery car in Tokyo area. [3](Japanese language)