Mercedes-Benz is showing a further close-to-production prototype at the IAA, in the shape of the Concept BlueZERO E-CELLPLUS.
“This innovative electric car proves that we have very definite ideas about where this journey is taking us in terms of compact cars, too,” comments Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Development Mercedes-Benz Cars.
On the basis of one vehicle architecture, our modular concept enables three electric vehicles for different customer requirements - the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery drive only, the BlueZERO F-CELL with fuel cell drive and - as the third and newest version - the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS, which combines battery-electric drive with a compact and efficient internal combustion engine.”
The three-cylinder range extender is mounted in the rear and functions as an electric generator. It charges the battery while driving and thus enables a total range of 600 kilometres - of which, around 100 kilometres are electric only and therefore local emissions-free.
Dr. Thomas Weber again, “As a full-blooded 5-seater, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS combines local emissions-free electric mobility with unrestricted long-distance, everyday and family usability. This is only possible because we at Mercedes-Benz possess a unique vehicle architecture with a sandwich floor that has proven itself extremely well in the A and B-Class. I am certain that this will convince even the electric mobility sceptics.”
A further Mercedes milestone on the route to emissions-free mobility is the B-Class F-CELL with clean fuel cell drive and a range of around 400 kilometres.
With this, Mercedes-Benz will put its first fuel cell passenger car built under series production conditions on the road before the end of the year.
The environmentally friendly electric car boasts impressively refined driving performance on a par with that of a 2.0 litre petrol engine, while offering full everyday usability.
The emissions-free driveline has an NEDC consumption that equates to 3.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (diesel equivalent). Low-volume series production of the B-Class F-CELL will commence at the end of 2009
