Mercedes Hydrogen B-Class is Coming to U.S. Highways

Mercedes-Benz will be leasing about 200 hydrogen fuel-cell powered F-Cell cars to customers in the U.S. and Europe, equally divided between the two locations. This F-Cell vehicle is based on the B-Class four-door hatchback that is not marketed in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz introduced its first F-Cell, based on the smaller A-Class, in 2002. Sixty of these were leased to customers in the U.S, Europe, Singapore, and Japan. Most of the 100 U.S. bound F-Cell cars will go to California since it has the most developed – albeit still quite small – hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the country
The platinum-coated proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was designed by Ballard Power Systems. There is sufficient hydrogen storage to provide a range of about 240 miles, compared to only about 100 miles in the A-Class based F-Cell. Refueling takes about three minutes. The new F-Cell provides an equivalent 86 mpg combined city-highway mileage.

The electric motor that drives the front wheels is rated at 136 horsepower and 214 lbs-ft torque. The F-Cell is really a hybrid in that is has a 35 kW lithium-ion battery, which is charged by regenerative braking and supplies supplemental power to the electric motor for enhanced acceleration. It also ensures fast starting in very cold weather. Cold temperature operation is one technical challenge for automotive application of fuel cells.
Hydrogen is stored in high pressure tanks located within a space-saving double floor that also holds the entire fuel cell system. Thus, the F-Cell retains the excellent interior space of the B-Class, which offers the capacity of larger sedans and small SUVs even with its diminutive 168 inch length. Its 109-inch wheelbase offers more shoulder-room, legroom, and headroom than other cars of comparable size Depending on the number and position of its seats, load capacity can range from 19 cubic feet up to 60 cubic feet (with rear seats down), which equals many sport utility vehicles. That functionality continues with a maximum load length of more than 6 1/2 feet, continuing this high-tech vehicle’s user-friendly nature.

Source:-http://www.greencar.com/articles/mercedes-hydrogen-b-class-coming-us-highways.php