Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL: Production to start at the end of the year

Posted by Harvinder

August 29, 2009

Daimler-owned Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will start production of the B-Class F-CELL by end of the year, and only 200 units are planned initially, with Europe and the US set as its target market. The B-Class F-CELL is powered by an electric motor that can output 136HP and 290Nm of torque. Furthermore, it has a high-performance fuel cell system, in which gaseous hydrogen reacts with atmospheric oxygen at 700 bar to generate a current for the electric motor. Power is stored in a 35kW lithium-ion battery pack, with a capacity of 1.4 kWh.

According to Mercedes, the B-Class F-CELL can be refueled within 3 minutes and can deliver 385 kilometers in terms of driving range. Fuel consumption is equivalent to 3.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (NEDC) and the emission’s free vehicle has water, as its byproduct. The drive components are placed in the sandwich floor, hence boot capacity is rated at 416 liters.

The Mercedes B-Class F-CELL is treated to a bonamite silver paint finish, light weight 10-spoke alloy wheels, leather upholstery, seat heating, automatic climate control, COMAND-system and other creature comforts, typical of a Mercedes-Benz. The auto maker revealed that the F-CELL can start even at temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius. Continue reading to view an image gallery.