| Manufacturer | Daimler AG |
|---|---|
| Class | Fuel Cell |
| Length | 3,840 mm (151.2 in) |
| Width | 1,764 mm (69.4 in) |
| Height | 1,593 mm (62.7 in) |
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 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.
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In September, 2010, Mercedes-Benz announced that a limited run of 500 2010 A-Class based F-Cells will be produced and leased to European customers.[1]
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.[2]
The 350 Bar (5000 PSI) hydrogen tanks for hydrogen storage contain enough fuel for a 248 miles (399 km) drive.[3] Using 700 Bar (10000 PSI) tanks the range is extended with 70 % to 421 miles (678 km).[4]