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| Mercedes-Benz, due to the breadth of its many consumer and industrial hydrogen-powered vehicles, is a fair step ahead of many of its competitors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
"The fuel cell technology gives us the opportunity to bring mobility together with environmental compatibility and so make a major contribution to society, commented Prof. Jürgen Hubbert, a member of the DaimlerChrysler's Board of Management with responsibility for the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and the smart Passenger Car Division, when the first A-Class F-Cells began testing in 2003. "To enable the fuel cell to go on the market in the foreseeable future, most importantly the fuel and infrastructure issues must be clarified in a worldwide initiative, jointly with the political community, the mineral oil industry and the energy sector. But development engineers, too, still face numerous challenges, referring mainly to the further reduction of weight and cost and the improvement of reliability and durability. In this field, manufacturers should cooperate more intensively so as to promote the breakthrough of this key technology."
Mercedes-Benz, due to the breadth of its many consumer and industrial hydrogen-powered vehicles, is a fair step ahead of many of its competitors, a position that should pay off if the hydrogen gamble results in a workable solution to fossil fuels. Here's hoping...
Specifications: Body Type: 5-door subcompact hatchback
Engine: fuel cell-powered 65 kW electric motor
Acceleration (estimated 0 - 100 km/h): 16 seconds
Cruising Range: 150 km (93 miles)
Seating Capacity: 4
Fuel Type: compressed hydrogen
Fuel Consumption: equal to 4.2L (1.1 gal) of diesel per 100 km (62 miles)
Web Site:
www.mercedes-benz.ca
