Mercedes B-Klasse F-Cell Details and Photos Released

The first Mercedes Benz series-built fuel cell vehicle has just been detailed by the German manufacturer, in the eve of the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. With performances similar to the ones achieved by a 2.0l engined vehicle, the B-Klasse F-Cell will enter production in late 2009, while the first 200 units will be delivered in the US and Europe in early 2010.

"2009 is the year in which we are establishing further milestones where sustainable mobility is concerned. The B-Klasse F-CELL is taking on a pioneering role as the world’s first fuel cell powered automobile to be produced under series production conditions", Thomas Weber, Daimler member of the board said in a release.

The F-Cell draws its power from a combined electric motor and a new generation fuel cell system. Daimler says this is not the F-Cell system developed for the 2004 A-Klasse, but an entirely new one.

The electric motor develops 136 hp and a maximum torque of 290 Nm, available from the first rotation. It draws power from a lithium-ion battery with an output of 35 kW and a capacity of 1.4 kWh. The battery provide a total range of 385 km (240 miles).

The main setback the B-Klasse F-Cell has to face is the lack of filling stations. Daimler will take part of the problem upon themselves, as it is the only way through which they can ensure a worth-while effort with fuel cell vehicles. To that end, Daimler is already trying to solve the problem together with authorities in Hamburg, Stuttgart and the state of California.