Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will begin production of a zero-emissions hydrogen fuel-cell powered version of its compact B-Class model with sales starting in the U.S. and Europe next year.
Using a hydrogen-powered electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack, the F-Cell B-Class will make 134hp and 214 ft-lbs of torque. It will be capable of traveling 250 miles on a tank of hydrogen and get roughly 70 mpg.
“2009 is the year in which we are establishing further milestones where sustainable mobility is concerned. The B-Class F-CELL is taking on a pioneering role as the world’s first fuel cell powered automobile to be produced under series production conditions”, says Mercedes R&D boss Dr. Thomas Weber.
Like any Mercedes the B-Class F-Cell will be well equipped with leather, heated seats, automatic climate control and the Mercedes Command system.
In anticipation of the B-Class F-Cell hitting the market Mercedes is working with local governments in California as well as in Hamburg and Stuttgart in Germany to set up hydrogen refueling stations.
