Daimler, Ford and Renault-Nissan Ink Fuel Cell Agreement

Daimler, Ford & Renault-Nissan sign agreement that will accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell EV technology

Daimler, Ford and Nissan have officially signed an agreement that will help accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicle technology.

The goal of the alliance is to jointly develop a common fuel cell electric vehicle system while reducing investment costs associated with the engineering of the technology. Each company will invest equally towards the project. The strategy to maximize design commonality, leverage volume and derive efficiencies through economies of scale will help to launch the world’s first affordable, mass-market FCEVs as early as 2017.

Together, Daimler, Ford and Nissan have more than 60 years of cumulative experience developing FCEVs. Their FCEVs have logged more than 10 million km in test drives around the world in customers’ hands and as part of demonstration projects in diverse conditions. The partners plan to develop a common fuel cell stack and fuel cell system that can be used by each company in the launch of highly differentiated, separately branded FCEVs, which produce no CO2 emissions while driving.

The collaboration sends a clear signal to suppliers, policymakers and the industry to encourage further development of hydrogen refueling stations and other infrastructure necessary to allow the vehicles to be mass-marketed.

Powered by electricity generated from hydrogen and oxygen, FCEVs emit only water while driving. FCEVs are considered complementary to today’s battery-electric vehicles and will help expand the range of zero-emission transportation options available to consumers.

“Fuel cell electric vehicles are the obvious next step to complement today’s battery electric vehicles as our industry embraces more sustainable transportation,” said Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., supervising Research and Development. “We look forward to a future where we can answer many customer needs by adding FCEVs on top of battery EVs within the zero-emission lineup.”

“We are convinced that fuel cell vehicles will play a central role for zero-emission mobility in the future. Thanks to the high commitment of all three partners we can put fuel cell e-mobility on a broader basis. This means with this cooperation we will make this technology available for many customers around the globe”, said Prof. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

“Working together will significantly help speed this technology to market at a more affordable cost to our customers,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “We will all benefit from this relationship as the resulting solution will be better than any one company working alone.”

Engineering work on both the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell system will be done jointly by the three companies at several locations around the world. The partners are also studying the joint development of other FCEV components to generate even further synergies.

The unique collaboration across three continents and three companies will help define global specifications and component standards, an important prerequisite for achieving higher economies of scale.


How a fuel cell electric vehicle works

Like today’s battery-electric vehicles, FCEVs are more efficient than conventional cars and diversify energy sources beyond petroleum.

The electricity for an FCEV is produced on board the vehicle in the fuel cell stack where it is generated following an electro-chemical reaction between hydrogen – stored in a purpose-designed, high-pressure tank in the car – and oxygen from the air. The only by-products are water vapor and heat.

A Look Back: Daimler Unveils Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster with Hybrid Drive

For about a year, more than 150 trainees worked on the concept, development, assembly, and completion of the F-CELL Roadster

Daimler unveiled their F-CELL Roadster back in 2009, it was the latest in their line of “F-Series” concept vehicles (past Mercedes research models can be seen here), and as you’ll see, it drew its inspiration from a diverse variety of automotive eras.  From a functional standpoint, it’s a roadster fitted with a 1.2 kW hybrid drive – one that allowed the F-CELL to reach a top speed of 15 mph and achieve an operating range of  217 miles.  From a design standpoint, however, is where the F-CELL Roadster truly shined, as it managed to blend the overall aura of the original Benz patent motor car with the seating and fiberglass front section both drawn from elements of Formula One racing.

As for who was responsible for creating the unique F-CELL Roadster, that honor went to the trainees of of Daimler AG at the Sindelfingen plant, with more than 150 trainees and dual education system students having worked for about a year on the overall concept, development, assembly, and completion of the hybrid model.  According to Human Resources Board member and Labor Relations Manager Günther Fleig in 2009:  “This project impressively demonstrates that the topic of sustainable mobility has become an integral part of our vocational training.  I am delighted to see how much initiative and creativity the young people have put into this project.”

Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota Join Forces for Hydrogen

The tour will last one month, with event stopovers in nine European cities, public will experience benefits of alternative drivetrain

September 13 marks an extraordinary milestone in the history of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV). Four international car manufacturers will join forces to demonstrate hydrogen-powered FCEVs are not just technologies of the future but of today. A total of 7 FCEVs from Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota will bring their individual hydrogen fuel cell systems to the European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012.

The tour will last one month, with special event stopovers in nine European cities, where interested public will be given the opportunity to experience the benefits of this alternative drivetrain. Several cities on the tour route will be the first opportunity for the general public to approach and test drive FCEVs where the only emission is water.

The event aims to reach out to politicians, industry leaders, press and public to help improve awareness around FCEVs, delivering a clear message. While the technology exists for Hydrogen Vehicles today, there is a real need to improve the European hydrogen distribution infrastructure. This tour also marks the most widespread effort to promote FCEVs in Europe this year.

Starting in Hamburg on September 13th, the FCEVs from participating manufacturers will afterwards move through Hannover, Bolzano, Paris, Cardiff, Bristol, Swindon, London and Copenhagen, supported by local organisations in each city. H2 Logic Denmark will provide mobile refuelling stations in some stopover cities.

The European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012 is part of the “H2moves Scandinavia” project. The project is the first European Lighthouse Project for hydrogen funded by the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking programme launched by the European Commission and European industry stakeholders. The project focusses on gaining customer acceptance for hydrogen-powered FCEVs and preparing the market for hydrogen fuel cell technology. The experience from operating 19 FCEVs in Oslo and Copenhagen and the corresponding hydrogen refuelling infrastructure shows that the technology is reliable now even in harsh Scandinavian winters.

Michel Gardel, Vice-President Communications, External and Environment Affairs of Toyota Motor Europe today commented: “Toyota has been active in fuel cell technology for the last 20 years and we are working to commercialise our next-generation fuel cell car by 2015. The European Hydrogen Road Tour is a great opportunity for our company and partners to demonstrate the readiness of the technology to European consumers.”

Dr. Christian Mohrdieck, Director drive development fuel cell system, Daimler AG points out the importance of this technology: “On our way to zero-emission mobility fuel cell electric vehicles – with their great range while at the same time short refueling times – will play a central role for the future. However, the success of this technology depends crucially on certain conditions being in place, such as the availability of a nationwide hydrogen infrastructure.”

Thomas Brachmann, Automobile Engineering & Research, Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH remarked that “Honda believe fuel cell electric vehicles are the ultimate mobility solution, providing a practical, clean and near silent answer to transport requirements. The European Hydrogen Road Tour offers a great opportunity to give the public, the media and government officials a chance to experience this zero emission technology for themselves.”

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe describes their reasons for joining the tour: “Hyundai is proud to be playing an integral role in the European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012. The Hyundai ix35 FCEV clearly demonstrates not only our commitment to producing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, but also the benefits of FCEV. As the availability and performance of this technology improves, we can look forward to FCEVs providing sustainable mobility to future generations while dramatically reducing climate change.”

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell Becomes Invisible

The Mercedes-Benz new F-Cell B-Class is invisible to the environment with 0.0 emissions and is now Invisible to the eye

Mercedes-Benz claims that its new F-Cell B-Class is invisible to the environment with 0.0 emissions.  To drive this idea home, Mercedes fitted the Fuel Cell powered B-Class with a LED panel on one side and a Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera on the other, with the camera continuously shooting live video of its surroundings and projecting it instantly on the F-Cell’s screen.  The result:  a nearly invisible Mercedes F-Cell B-Class.

The technology isn’t perfect, but impressive none-the-less, especially at night.  Take the minute and a half and watch the video below.

Mercedes-Benz F125! Concept Revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show

Mercedes-Benz F125 concept receives power from a hydrogen fuel-cell and averages 105 mpg

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show beginning September 15 will not only be used to introduce next generation models, it will also offer us all a glimpse into the future of the automobile.

At this year’s motor show, Mercedes-Benz is showing us what the future may hold for the 2025 S-Class, and they’ve named it the F125!.

The sweeping roofline has transformed the three-box S-Class into a model more closely resembling a coupe. Gorden Wagener, Mercedes-Benz Design Chief, is quick to point out that “it’s a further developed sedan shape” – with seating for four and a 470-liter boot.

A six-bar grille at the front and sharply defined creases that are clearly reminiscent of the current Mercedes CLS are the only clues that the F125 Concept is a Mercedes-Benz.  Unlike the current model’s conventional four-door set-up, access to the front and rear seats is through a pair of elongated gullwing doors.

On the inside, the design stays true to Mercedes-Benz – luxurious and spacious while still being modern and simple. The front passenger seat can be folded away into the footwell to allow one of the rear seats to recline and lie flat. Most of the major controls are activated through gestures so drivers can point a thumb to the left or right for the indicators or swipe a hand to the right to activate the windscreen wipers.

Lightweight construction, using carbon fiber reinforced plastic and aluminium, means the F125 only weighs 1,700kg (3,747 lbs). That’s around 300kg less than the current model.

The F 125! is driven by F-CELL plug-in HYBRID technology, consisting of a further-developed fuel cell and a high-performance lithium-sulfur high-voltage battery. Energy storage is provided by a completely new kind of hydrogen tank that is integrated directly into the bodyshell structure.  Using this set-up, 7.5kg of hydrogen can be stored – enough for a range of around 620 miles. Fuel economy is estimated at 105 mpg with a speedy sprint from 0-62 mph in under five seconds.

“When it comes to the drive, there is one figure to note – one thousand. That is the distance in kilometers that you can drive on electricity alone without stopping to refuel,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche. “And with four electric motors close to the wheels and a peak output of 313 hp, there’s no shortage of fun.”  Thanks to intelligent lightweight design with a high proportion of carbon-fiber, the four-seater offers refined performance coupled with exceptional comfort. The display, control and communication concepts are also completely new developments. Dr. Dieter Zetsche once more, “You could say that the F 125! is a smartphone you can sit in.”

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL Helps to Guide Aircraft

Stuttgart is the first German airport to use a fuel cell-powered electric car as a "follow me" vehicle

In Stuttgart, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL helps to guide aircraft around the runways. With an output of 136 hp and a top speed of 105 mph, it is locally emission-free and thus a true leader in its field, and not only of the planes on the airport. At the hydrogen filling station that was opened on the airport campus in 2009, the “follow me” vehicle can be refuelled with hydrogen in less than three minutes, giving it a range of around 400 kilometres. “So, as you can see, we are keeping up with the latest technological developments in ground-based drive systems”, commented Walter Schoefer, Managing Director of the company operating the airport, Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH.

The everyday viability and technical maturity of fuel cell-powered electric vehicles was put to the test by Mercedes-Benz only recently in its F-CELL World Drive. Between late January and early June, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F‑CELL vehicles drove around the world – covering a distance of more than 30,000 kilometres across four continents and through 14 countries. With this circumnavigation of the globe, Daimler was also able to draw attention to the need for a broad-based hydrogen infrastructure. As a catalyst for this process, the company will therefore be working with Linde AG to establish an initial 20 hydrogen refuelling stations.

The B-Class F-CELL: the latest generation of fuel cell-powered electric vehicles

At the heart of the B-Class F‑CELL is the new generation of a fuel cell-powered electric drive system, which is compact, powerful, safe and absolutely practical for everyday use. The fuel cell generates the electricity needed for driving through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen – within the vehicle itself. With a range of around 400 kilometres and fast refuelling times, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL combines locally emission-free mobility with complete viability over long distances and impressive performance. In the process it produces no pollutant emissions whatsoever, just pure water. The 100 kW/136 hp electric motor in the current B‑Class F-CELL gives it effortless torque of 290 Nm right from the very first turn of the key, ensuring fun at the wheel and driving dynamics on a par with those of a 2.0-litre petrol engine. And with all this, the B-Class F-CELL achieves the equivalent of an NEDC consumption figure (New European Drive Cycle) of 3.3 litres of fuel (diesel equivalent) per 100 kilometres.

When the brakes are applied, or even as soon as the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator, the electric motor uses a recuperation process to convert kinetic energy into electric energy, which is then stored in the battery. During manoeuvring or over short distances the electric drive motor takes its power from the battery. Should the capacity of the energy accumulator prove insufficient, the fuel cell is automatically activated. The decision as to whether the electricity is taken from the lithium-ion battery, the fuel cell or from a combination of both is determined by the intelligent drive management system according to what is most efficient and most beneficial to the customer.

Daimler and The Linde Group Partner to Build Fuel-Cell Infrastructure

The initiative that Linde and Daimler are embarking upon is set to more than triple the number of public hydrogen refuelling points

Daimler and The Linde Group, a technology company, announced Wednesday that they are moving forward with the development of an infrastructure for hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles. The two companies plan to construct an additional 20 hydrogen filling stations in Germany over the next three years, thereby ensuring a supply of hydrogen produced purely from renewable resources for the steadily increasing number of fuel-cell vehicles on the roads. The initiative links in with the existing H2 Mobility and Clean Energy Partnership infrastructure projects, which are being subsidised by the National Innovation Programme for hydrogen and fuel-cell technology (NIP). This places Germany at the international forefront of hydrogen infrastructure development.

The initiative that Linde and Daimler are embarking upon involves investment running into the tens of millions, and is set to more than triple the number of public hydrogen refuelling points in Germany. The new stations will be located in the current hydrogen centres of Stuttgart, Berlin and Hamburg as well as along two new continuous north-south and east-west axes. The aim is to use existing sites belonging to different petroleum companies that are strategically located in the traffic network. This will make it possible to drive anywhere in Germany with a fuel-cell-powered vehicle for the first time. One of the focal points for the infrastructure’s extension will be in Baden-Württemberg, where, 125 years after the invention of the motor car, the stage is being set for its reinvention.

“Together with the fuel cell, hydrogen is set to be of fundamental importance to the expansion of electromobility,” explained Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, Chief Executive Officer of Linde AG. “We are delighted to be able to play such an instrumental role in shaping this development together with Daimler. We see ourselves as providing an impetus for existing initiatives, such as H2 Mobility and the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), and wish to support the commercialisation of hydrogen vehicles as best we can. By systematically developing hydrogen technology, Germany can assume a pioneering role in this field and establish itself as the industry leader as we move towards emission-free mobility.”

“The fuel cell represents a decisive step forward for electromobility, as it enables zero-emission driving with high ranges and short refuelling times – and not just for passenger cars, but for commercial vehicles too. In partnership with Linde, we are now taking the next step by getting things going on the infrastructure side. 20 new hydrogen filling stations will give the market a major stimulus,” remarked Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars at the finish of the Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive in Stuttgart. Having started off from Stuttgart at the end of January, the first circumnavigation of the globe in fuel-cell vehicles took in four continents and 14 countries. Each of the vehicles involved covered over 30,000 kilometres. Linde accompanied the F-CELL World Drive as the exclusive hydrogen partner, providing the zero-emission vehicles with a mobile supply of hydrogen for the duration of the tour.

Construction and commissioning of the new filling stations will already start in 2012. Other partners from the petroleum, power supply or automotive industries, for instance, are welcome to become involved in the joint initiative that has been set up by Daimler and Linde.

Background: the infrastructure of hydrogen filling stations in Germany

The successful introduction of fuel-cell vehicles depends on the development of a public hydrogen supply infrastructure. The first centres have already sprung up in large metropolitan areas, such as Berlin and Hamburg. There are nearly 30 hydrogen refuelling points in Germany at the current time, seven of which are integrated into a public filling station facility. This means that Germany clearly leads the way in Europe. To begin with, just five to ten filling stations are sufficient for conveniently servicing the requirements of a large city. Joining up these urban centres – for example Berlin with Hamburg, Stuttgart with Munich – by means of corridors along the arterial roads between them is a major step forward towards the establishment of a nationwide public H2 infrastructure.

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive Returns to Stuttgart

After 70 days of driving and more than 18,000 miles, the B-Class F-Cell's have circled the globe and returned home to Stuttgart

After 70 days of driving and more than 18,000 miles, the B-Class F-Cell’s have circled the globe and returned home to Stuttgart becoming the first round-the-world drive with fuel-cell vehicles.  The three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles with zero local emissions drivelines crossed the finish line on June 1, 2011 in front of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The hydrogen-powered B-Classes and their support vehicles set off from Stuttgart at the end of January on the occasion of the official 125th birthday of the automobile, and on their way have crossed through 14 countries on four continents.

“With the F-CELL World Drive we have shown, that the time for electric vehicles with fuel cell has come. Now the development of the infrastructure has to pick up speed,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “For only an adequate number of hydrogen fueling stations enables car drivers to benefit from the advantages of this technology: high range, short refueling times, zero emissions.

Hydrogen infrastructure challenge

Within the scope of the F-CELL World Drive, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL was functioning as an ambassador for a new, zero-emissions auto-mobility of the future. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz was lobbying extensively for the establishment of a comprehensive network of hydrogen fueling stations – a crucial factor for the market success of this technology. So far, there are only approximately 200 fuel stations worldwide at which fuel cell vehicles can be refueled. According to expert calculations, a network of around 1,000 fixed fuel stations would be sufficient for basic nationwide coverage in Germany. A central aim of Mercedes-Benz is to see to it that, in future, drivers all over the world will be able to refuel with hydrogen – just as they do today with gasoline and diesel fuel.

The exclusive partner for hydrogen supply on the F-CELL World Drive was the Linde Group. Thanks to its hydrogen expertise and global presence, it was able to guarantee fuel supply throughout the entire world trip. A jointly developed mobile refueling unit based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter accompanied the tour – the only way to ensure fuel supply even on the most remote stretches.

Proof of the everyday usability of fuel-cell drive

During the F-CELL World Drive, Mercedes-Benz was able to provide an impressive demonstration of the qualities of its fuel cell vehicles in terms of performance and robustness. The World Drive vehicles drove not only in downtown areas, on country roads and lengthy stretches of highway, but also proved their capabilities driving on unfinished surfaces, for example on stages in Australia and China.

Even a no-fault accident in Kazakhstan was unable to stop the B-Class F-CELL. On the route from Almaty to Balkhash, the number-three B-Class F-CELL was rammed on its rear left fender. The rear axle and bumper of the fuel-cell car both sustained damage. However, the fuel cell vehicle was repaired in a nearby workshop and continued its way around the world. Only a small dent in the bodywork bears testament to this single incident.

Round the world with hydrogen – the tour in figures

After 70 days of driving, participants in the F-CELL World Drive collected an abundance of travel notes documenting the multi-faceted aspects of the tour and, at the same time, underscoring the everyday usability of the fuel cell technology on board the B-Class F-CELL. The record distance of 648 kilometers, split between two stretches of more than 300 kilometers each, was covered on the drive from Almaty to Balkhash in Kazakhstan. Another likely record is the number of inhabitants in the places visited by the tour, ranging from no more than twenty in Balladonia, Australia, to an impressive 19 million in Shanghai, China. Due to the still insufficient hydrogen infrastructure, the mobile unit, which has been developed in cooperation with the Linde AG, was used around 130 times to refuel the B-Classes. Along the route, the B-Class F-CELL vehicles were also refueled in just a few minutes at two hydrogen fueling stations.

Mercedes-Benz long-distance drives – in the tracks of Bertha Benz

With the now historic F-CELL World Drive, the first round-the-world drive with fuel cell vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is adding to a long history of legendary long-distance drives. Examples include the first crossing of Africa in a car in 1909 and the longest diesel marathon – the “E-Class Experience” – run in 2006 over 14,000 kilometers from Paris to Beijing.

As far as its objective was concerned, the F-CELL World Drive has a direct connection to the world’s very first long-distance drive – the pioneering endeavor of Bertha Benz, who, in 1888, completed the first cross-country drive with the Benz Patent-Motorwagen from Mannheim to Pforzheim. She faced in principle the same challenge as her successors with the B-Class F-CELL – she, too, could not exactly roll into the next fuel station and top up.

In the early days of the automobile, drivers had to buy their fuel from the pharmacy, which is why Bertha Benz stopped at the town pharmacy in Wiesloch. That was the only place she could acquire the light gasoline “ligroin” – which was actually intended for domestic use as a stain remover, but also worked as fuel. First gradually, then with increasing speed, the fuel station network expanded into the worldwide infrastructure we know today. That was a defining factor in the triumphant procession of the combustion-engine-powered automobile invented in 1886 by Daimler and Benz. With new drive systems the motto is: alternative drives need alternative infrastructures. In the case of the B-Class F-CELL, this means hydrogen fueling stations. It is for this reason that Mercedes-Benz, as the inventor of the automobile, together with partners from commerce and politics, is lobbying heavily for the establishment of a comprehensive infrastructure – both for electric cars with fuel cells and for those with battery-electric drive.

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive Headed Through Asia

During the F-CELL World Drive, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL cars are journeying through 14 countries on 4 continents

On April 22, the F-CELL World Drive departed from the Auto Shanghai show in China for the last and longest leg of its round-the-world tour. From Shanghai the route takes the bright green F-Cell’s through Kazakhstan and Russia on their way back to Europe, where the tour began in January. In 41 days the three fuel cell powered B-Class F-CELL cars will cover around 14,000 kilometres on this final leg. The F-CELL World Drive was one of the highlights of the show in Shanghai. Before starting off from China the cars already absolved around 5,300 kilometres in Australia, and were transported to Asia by air for the last time of the tour. Previously the tour had successfully covered southern Europe and North America.

Since 30 January, the start of the F-CELL World Drive, these “green” fuel cell cars have gained worldwide attention. In addition to the world premiere of the “Concept A-Class” and the Chinese premieres of the new C-Class, the SLK and the CLS, they will also be highlights of the Auto Shanghai show.

The Auto Shanghai show also illustrates the high level of interest in fuel cell technology in China. An emission-free mobility solution also makes good sense in view of the high levels of fine dust pollution in Chinese cities, as well as the fast-growing number of car owners. Moreover, China is one of the most important markets for Mercedes-Benz, and also has great potential with respect to battery-powered electric vehicles.

F-CELL World Drive begins its homeward journey

Within 41 days the F-CELL World Drive will be crossing two continents and seven countries on the last leg of its journey. This means that the “green” B-Class F-CELL cars will not only capture attention in China, but also in Kazakhstan, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Germany. Local events in these various countries will ensure that fuel cell technology makes a lasting impression. In early June the tour will reach its starting and finishing point in Stuttgart.

The F-CELL World Drive not only passes through the major cities, but also through remote areas of the individual countries concerned. Accordingly the tour is also confronted with the challenge of unfamiliar road conditions and an inadequate supply infrastructure. To an even greater extent than before, the final leg of the journey will require an anticipatory style of driving – and this also applies to the vehicles with conventional internal combustion engines. Moreover, the backup navigation unit provided has no map material for Kazakhstan, therefore the participants must pay even more attention here. Just in case, maps of the countries concerned will be carried in each vehicle.

From Sydney to Perth: F-CELL World Drive crosses Australia

In Australia too, the tour was able to make acquaintance with remote regions when the F-CELL World Drive crossed southern Australia from Sydney to Perth between 29 March and 9 April, covering more than 5300 kilometres. In Adelaide the participants were able to celebrate the “half-way mark” of the 125-day tour. Previously the vehicles had crossed southern Europe and the USA, successfully covering a total of around 11,000 kilometres. In every city the F-CELL World Drive was given a hearty welcome.

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive

During the F-CELL World Drive, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL cars are journeying through 14 countries on 4 continents – once around the globe. This round-the-world tour organised by Mercedes-Benz started off in Stuttgart on 30 January 2011, and will take 125 days – marking the 125th anniversary of the automobile – until the cars arrive back in Stuttgart in early June after covering 30,000 kilometres. The aim is to demonstrate the technical maturity and day-to-day suitability of fuel cell powered electric cars, and also to draw attention to the need for a widespread hydrogen infrastructure. The company is being assisted with the hydrogen supply for the tour by Linde AG.

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive Begins Australian Tour

After a 13-day journey across the south of Australia, the F-Cell World Tour of Australia will end in Perth on April 10

On March 29th, after Europe and the USA & Canada legs, the third section of the F-CELL World Drive with the B-Class F-CELL cars began. This is the second time that Mercedes-Benz has brought fuel cell powered cars to Australia, as this locally emission-free technology was already used in Perth as part of the HyFLEET:CUTE STEP project. Three Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses with fuel cell drive were in operation in the city’s urban public transport system between 2004 and 2007, where they demonstrated their reliability and performance potential by covering a total of over 261,000 kilometres in Down Under. “One major advantage of fuel cell technology is that it can be used in a wide variety of vehicles, from passenger cars to buses. Moreover, it is not only suitable for short distances that are for example covered in public transport, but also for longer distances,” says Prof. Herbert Kohler, Head of E-Drive & Future Mobility in the Research and Pre-Development department, and Chief Environmental Officer of Daimler AG. “Fuel cell vehicles therefore have a great potential for CO2 reduction over a wide range of mobility needs.”

After a 13-day journey across the south of Australia, including detours to the famous Great Ocean Road, the stage of the F-CELL World Drive which is most distant from the final destination, will end in Perth on 10 April. From there, the green-painted B-Class F-CELL cars will embark on their last flight to Shanghai in China. After spending several days at the internationally important exhibition “Auto Shanghai”, their route will then take them more than 14,000 kilometres through the Eurasian continent until they arrive at their starting and finishing point in Stuttgart.

Mobile hydrogen fuelling station

One of the objectives of the F-CELL World Drive is to draw attention to the need for the development of a global hydrogen infrastructure that will make the widespread introduction of locally emission-free fuel cell vehicles possible. To date there are only very few public hydrogen fuelling stations in the world, and this presents a major challenge involving great logistical effort during this unique round-the-world tour. Public fuelling stations have so far only been available at the starting point in Stuttgart and in Los Angeles. Therefore refuelling procedures for the F-CELL World Drive required very precise planning. Two refuelling teams accompanying the tour ensure that the mobile fuelling station is available for the B-Class F-CELL cars at around midday and in the evenings. The hydrogen required is directly transported to the fuelling station by Linde AG. It is fed into the mobile fuelling unit, where it is compressed to the nominal 700 bar pressure under which it is filled into the B-Class F-CELL.

Flight arrangements subject to strict regulations

The cars must be transported from continent to continent by air for their round-the-world tour. In view of national Customs and other regulations, this too requires a great deal of careful organisation.

A jumbo jet is available to carry the tour across the seas. But there is only enough space for all the cars and other equipment if everything is loaded according to a precise plan. Fine visual judgement was therefore required when the vehicles were manoeuvred into the aircraft in Lisbon and Seattle, and of course a number of special safety regulations also needed to be satisfied. The entire tour is therefore accompanied by a crew of specialists who are well-prepared for these situations, and are able to ensure that all goes smoothly. All in all, around 20 technicians with wide-ranging expertise accompany the tour during its individual stages.

Preparations for the world tour

The preparations for this unique undertaking already began months in advance. All the route sections in Europe, the USA, Australia, China, Kazakhstan and Russia were surveyed beforehand, as only in this way could local conditions and refuelling locations be taken into account during the planning.

Indeed refuelling was the greatest challenge of all. All fuelling stops were precisely scheduled in advance to take the 380-kilometre operating range of the cars into account. Refuelling during the tour usually took place at Mercedes-Benz dealerships or Linde locations, as well as in suitable carparks and service stations.

Emission-free tour of North America with the B-Class F-CELL

Before flying to Australia the cars each covered around 10,000 kilometres on North American soil, with 18 driving days, three days of local events and numerous excursions for film and photo shoots. During this tour the participants were able to reduce the average fuel consumption of the B-Class F-CELL from the 1.18 kg of hydrogen per 100 kilometres achieved in Europe to just 1.15 kg. The fuel consumption record for the USA was 0.88 kg per 100 kilometres, corresponding to a diesel equivalent of less than 3 litres per 100 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz also used the tour to visit partner companies in North America. On 10 March the F-CELL World Drive paid a visit to the electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors, and also made a stop at the Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC) in Vancouver (Canada), which is developing the fuel cell stack for the B-Class F-CELL in cooperation with the Daimler research and development department in Germany. Mercedes-Benz also took this opportunity to announce future intentions in the field of electromobility: from 2013 the company will produce fuel cell stacks in its own plant in Vancouver (Canada).

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive

During the F-CELL World Drive, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles are passing through 14 countries and 4 continents – to drive around the globe once. Organised by Mercedes-Benz, the circumnavigation of the world started on 30 January 2011 in Stuttgart and is scheduled to last 125 days, until the vehicles return to Stuttgart again at the beginning of June, after covering a distance of some 30,000 kilometres. The aim of the tour is to demonstrate the technical maturity and suitability for everyday use of electric vehicles with fuel cells, and at the same time highlight the need for a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure. The Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer is being supported on the tour by Linde AG, which is responsible for supplying the hydrogen.

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive Tours the West Coast

Mercedes-Benz is focusing attention on e-mobility with fuel cell technology and proving it's ready for large-scale production

With the F-CELL World Drive, Mercedes-Benz is focusing global attention on the potential of e-mobility with fuel cell technology and is furthermore demonstrating impressively that this technology is ready for large-scale production. The next step to be taken for the industrialisation of this guiding technology is the development of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure.

Leg 9 – Phoenix to Los Angeles:

On March 6th, the ninth leg led the B-Class F-CELL vehicles from Phoenix to Los Angeles, California. On its way to L.A. via San Diego, the F-CELL World Drive covered more than 478 miles (770 kilometres). At the end of the leg in Los Angeles, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL – for the first and only time in the U.S.A. – were refuelled at a public station within only three minutes of time.

Leg 10 – Los Angeles to Sacramento:

On day 39 of the circumnavigation, the F-CELL World Drive embarked on the tenth leg, which leads north through the coastal state of California. The route takes the participants through San Francisco as well as to the Californian capital Sacramento. During this leg, the vehicles cover a total of 590 miles (950 kilometers). By staging local activities, like in San Francisco and Sacramento, Mercedes-Benz furthermore offers interested parties the possibility to gather information about the potential of fuel cell technology and the B-Class F-CELL. Moreover, a visit at Tesla Motors is part of this tenth leg.

Leg 11 – Sacramento to Salem:

On the eleventh leg, the F-CELL World Drive embarks from Sacramento, California, to Salem, which is the capital of the state of Oregon. Each of the vehicles covers a total of 540 miles (870 kilometers) – locally emission-free.

To view the American F-Cell World Tour legs 6-8, click here.

Infrastructure in the USA: California points the way forward

The F-CELL World Drive is particularly highlighting the still existing gaps of the global hydrogen infrastructure. By the end of the USA section of the tour on 18 March, the B-Class F-CELL vehicles will have been refuelled around 35 times on the route from Miami to Seattle – but only one of these refuelling procedures will have taken place at a public hydrogen filling station, located in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

“The American market is already active in the field of fuel cell technology, but like in Europe, there is still a need for development when it comes to infrastructure. Together with our regional partners, we want to point out the potentials of this technology and to get important lead markets ready for the rollout of a high number of electric vehicles with fuel cell technology,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler AG Board Member responsible for Group Research and Development for Mercedes-Benz Cars. So far there are a few filling stations in California as well as on the East Coast of the USA, in the city of New York and also in Michigan. Most of the activities are currently taking place in California, however. Customers in the city of Los Angeles – where a number of Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles have been on the road since the end of 2010 – can already refuel their vehicles at five public hydrogen filling stations. Of these, three are equipped with the latest – and meanwhile globally standardized –700-bar technology which enables the tanks of B-Class vehicles to be filled in just three minutes for a range of about 400 kilometers.

Alongside further deliveries of B-Class vehicles with fuel cell drives to customers in the USA in 2011 and 2012, it is concretely planned to extend the supply network in American metropolitan areas. During a second stage they will then be linked up to each other. These steps will consequently spread fuel cell technology.

According to a study by UC Davis [1] , the basic supply of such zero-emission vehicles could be guaranteed with only about 40 hydrogen filling stations in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles. The State of California already provided an initial funding. Until today, 27 million US-Dollars went into the promotion of a hydrogen infrastructure. Another 14 million US Dollars is expected to be invested in 2011. For 2011 and 2012, the opening of further filling stations has been announced, four in the greater area of Los Angeles, two stations in the San Francisco Bay Area and 10 more stations in 2012. From 2012, a total of about 20 stations in California will supply electric vehicles with fuel cell technology with the necessary hydrogen.

These positive developments in the hydrogen infrastructure of California are also the result of Daimler AG’s almost 20-year commitment to fuel cell technology. For many years the company has been an active member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), an amalgamation of automotive manufacturers, energy suppliers, government bodies and technology companies, and also the newly established Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) in California.

The production of the necessary hydrogen today already provides a firm foundation for a future hydrogen infrastructure. The hydrogen industry in the USA could already supply up to 40 million vehicles. Pipelines, which can transport the hydrogen from the producers to the end-users, are already in place in many parts of the country.

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive Makes Its Way Across America

The second leg of the F-CELL World Drive leaves Miami and heads straight across the USA all the way to Vancouver, Canada

On February 25th, 2011, the Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive began the second leg of its world tour with three neon green B-Class F-CELL vehicles. The U.S. journey began in Fort Lauderdale, FLand headed towards New Orleans, LA. In total, the vehicles will rack up around 4,660 miles in just the USA and Canada. After their brief visit, the F-Cell cars will board a plane and head to Australia via Seattle, WA.

We will continue to update you on the F-Cell World Drive progress with photos and daily updates. For now, read below for more information on the tour as well as brief diary excerpts from the World Drive staff below.

Local zero-emission motoring from Miami to Seattle

The second leg of the F-CELL World Drive is taking the three fuel cell vehicles across the North American continent, from Miami right across the USA and as far as Vancouver in Canada. The route then continues by airplane from Seattle to Australia. In doing so, the journey will also highlight the gaps in the American hydrogen infrastructure. By the end of the USA tour the B-Class F-CELL vehicles will have been refuelled around 35 times during 18 legs – but only one time will be at a public hydrogen filling station in Torrance, Los Angeles.

During the tour, the striking green paint finish of the B-Class F-CELL vehicles, which already caused a sensation at the Detroit Motor Show, isn’t the only feature raising attention to the tour. Local events in San Francisco, Sacramento, Salem and Vancouver will also provide the opportunity for an intensive exchange of ideas with local media, visitors and residents on the subject of fuel cell technology.

During this leg of the trip, which is scheduled to take roughly three weeks, participants can expect to enjoy a varied programme providing not only extensive opportunity to experience the B-Class F-CELL, but also interesting information on the topic of sustainable mobility. On 1 March the tour already paid a visit to the Daimler car2go mobility project in Austin, Texas. The next item of the agenda, due to take place on 10 March, is an intensive exchange on the topic of electric mobility at Tesla Motors in Palo Alto. Tesla designs and builds high performance electric cars and supplies powertrain components to leading OEMs. Tesla makes the lithium-ion battery and charger for Daimler’s smart fortwo electric drive and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL. In Vancouver the participants will then be the guests of the Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC). This is where the fuel cell stack for the B-Class F-CELL, for example, was developed in close cooperation with Daimler research and development staff from Germany. The company was established in 2007, with Daimler as the majority shareholder (50.1 percent). In addition, while in Vancouver the F-CELL World Drive will also meet up with adventurer and explorer Mike Horn and his PANGAEA Expedition, for which Mercedes-Benz is the main sponsor. The PANGAEA Expedition’s sailing ship has been visiting all of the continents, including both the North and South Pole, since October 2008. Together with young people from all over the world, expedition leader Mike Horn is setting up ecological and social projects on his trip around the world.

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive Info

During the F-CELL World Drive, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles are passing through 14 countries and 4 continents – to drive around the globe once. Organised by Mercedes-Benz, the circumnavigation of the world started on 30 January 2011 in Stuttgart and is scheduled to last 125 days, until the vehicles return to Stuttgart again at the beginning of June, after covering a distance of some 30,000 kilometres. The aim of the tour is to demonstrate the technical maturity and suitability for everyday use of electric vehicles with fuel cells, and at the same time highlight the need for a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure. The Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer is being supported on the tour by Linde AG, which is responsible for supplying the hydrogen.

Leg 6:

On February 25th, 2011, the F-CELL World Drive embarked on the first leg in the USA from Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans. From 25th until 27 th of February, the vehicles passed through the four states Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana and thereby covered 1.460 kilometers.

“Our F-CELL World Drive finished the first diving day in the U.S. On February 25th the three B-Class F-CELL started their drive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 8 a.m. After a refuelling stop during lunch time close to the Kennedy Space Center they continued their journeys to Jacksonville. Facts of the day: distance 568 km/ 353 miles, sunny weather and at least one sunburn.” F-Cell World Drive Blogger

Leg 7:

The seventh leg of the F-CELL World Drive led the vehicles from New Orleans in Louisiana over a distance of more than 1.070 kilometers to San Antonio, Texas. Along the way, the tour made a stopover at the mobility project car2go in Austin.

“The seventh leg of the F-CELL World Drive led the vehicles from New Orleans in Louisiana over a distance of more than 1.070 locally emission-free kilometres to San Antonio, Texas. Along the way, the tour made a stopover at the mobility project car2go in Austin. Right now, the tour and most of the team members have a spare day in San Antonio. Fair enough: ¼ of the tour done (31 days) — 94 days remaining.” F-Cell World Drive Blogger

Leg 8:

Starting from San Antonio on March 3rd , the three B-Class F-CELL vehicles set off on the eighth leg. The ride across the state of New Mexico to Phoenix in Arizona is the longest leg of the US-stage, covering a distance of more than 1.600 kilometers. On March 2nd the tour therefore used the opportunity to allow the participants a break in San Antonio.

“The F-CELL World Drive contested its 8th leg from San Antonio, Texas to Fort Stockton. Our team tackled more than 500 kilometres and got to know the almost waterless but rather adventurous and historically impressed outback of the “Lone Star State”. About 1/3 of the remaining distance to reach the next great destination is done. The Tour is already on its way to Deming: Phoenix is near! — 93 days left ” F-Cell World Drive Blogger

“From dawn till dusk…or almost dust?…F-CELL World Drives’ long way to Phoenix let the team leave Texas and have a stopover in Las Cruces, also known as “The City of Crosses”! Nearby the border of New Mexico they experienced the rough flair of this area. Searching for the famous Rio Grande was not successful…mostly dust…that’s what it is! Phoenix…the F-CELL World Drive is approaching…about 500 kilometres left!” F-Cell World Drive Blogger

“The F-CELL World Drive completed its 8th leg from San Antonio to Phoenix. Crossing the states of Texas and New Mexico the tour tackled over 1600 kilometres in 3 days and left behind the longest leg in the US in order to reach the capital of Arizona. More than ¼ of the route in done. The team is currently on the way towards LA – Full speed – or let’s say hydrogen – ahead!” F-Cell World Drive Blogger

F-Cell World Drive U.S. Diary Updates:

Day 1: Ft. Lauderdale – Kennedy Space Center – Jacksonville, Florida, 352 miles  Friday, February 25th

The drive began in Ft. Lauderdale on Friday, February 25th with journalists and bloggers behind the wheel of three F-CELLs. They are the first group of many national and international journalists who have been invited to join us along the route to test drive these vehicles. By mid-day, the entire team had arrived at the Kennedy Space Center where our first fueling took place. Fortunate for us the shuttle launch took place as scheduled the day before, so that we had plenty of space to refuel and enjoy the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Early evening we reached Jacksonville where our Parts Distribution Center welcomed us with a reception. Following a refuelling on their property, we regrouped poolside at our hotel to discuss the next day’s plans.

Day 2: Jacksonville – Tallahassee – Defuniak Springs, Florida, 303 miles   Saturday, February 26th

On day two we left Jacksonville, the beautiful Florida coast and entered a Starbucks neutral territory. At our first refuelling stop at a Linde distribution center in the state capital of Tallahassee, we enjoyed a southern style barbeque meal surrounded by cylinders of hydrogen, nitrogen and helium. Today we gained an extra hour settling comfortably into a new time zone in Defuniak Springs followed by dinner at Bogart’s Cafe in the town’s historic district.

Day 3: Defuniak Springs, Florida – Grand Bay, Alabama – Slidell, Louisiana, 263 miles  Sunday, February 27th

When our opening car starts out every morning at 6:30 am to prepare the fueling site, we are confident that all will run smoothly thanks to our advance team arriving the day before to ensure everything is in place. The fuel cell cars, by the way, are running smoothly and require no special attention. The field team spends most of their time and effort involved with the fueling process and the logistics of moving vehicles and people down the road.

Today we opted for a scenic route along the Gulf Coast to our first fueling site at the volunteer fire department of Grand Bay, Alabama. In the afternoon, NASA again supported our efforts by allowing us entry to the Stennis Space Center for our 2nd fueling of the day. The field team spent the night outside of New Orleans in Slidell, although some did enjoy Mardi Gras festivities on Bourbon Street, while others dined with the second group of journalists and bloggers who will accompany us to San Antonio.

Day 4: Slidell, Louisiana – Egan, Texas – Baytown, Texas, 342 miles  Monday, February 28th

Driving across the bayous of Louisiana, we left the sultry weather behind us and entered the vast expanse of Texas where we will spend the next four days. We received a warm southern welcome at our first fueling site in Egan, Texas but declined the offer to cool off at the truck stop casino. A lot of work is involved in refueling the vehicles. One important component of the operation is the hydrogen compressor which is housed in a Sprinter van. The vehicle seems to come alive during the fueling and emits all sorts of sounds during the process. It has since been christened “the Buffalo” because of its stamina, endurance and the noise it makes. Here in Texas we are on the look-out for some bull horns to complete the picture.

Day 5: Baytown, Texas – Austin, Texas – San Antonio, Texas, 311 miles   Tuesday, March 1st

We received more Southern hospitality with a Texas barbeque at the Austin Mercedes-Benz dealership while the Buffalo worked away at a nearby shopping mall parking lot. There at the fueling site we all had a look at a line-up of smart vehicles which are part of the successful vehicle loaner program car2go recently launched here in the capital of Texas. The afternoon drive lasted well into the evening as the F-CELLs drove a scenic route through the beautiful hill country of Texas and on into the city of San Antonio. The final members of the fuel support team arrived to the hotel in time for a near midnight snack. Fortunate for us we have the day off tomorrow to rest and explore San Antonio.

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive Kicks Off Its North American Tour

The Mercedes F-CELL World Drive will be travelling across North America demonstrating the potential of fuel cell technology

Today, February 25th, the F-CELL World Drive embarked on the second leg of its tour when three green Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles set out from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on their first North American leg towards New Orleans, Louisiana. In total, the vehicles will be covering around 4,600 miles in the United States and Canada, after which they will leave from Seattle, Washington to continue their journey to Australia. So far the F-CELL World Drive has already clocked up more than 2,200 miles on the roads of Europe.

The Mercedes F-CELL World Drive will be travelling across North America until March 18, demonstrating the potential of fuel cell technology. In addition, with what is to date a unique undertaking, Mercedes-Benz is reaffirming the need to develop a comprehensive global hydrogen infrastructure. “We will have reached market maturity with fuel cell technology by 2015 at the latest. From that point we would then be in a position to bring several 100,000 vehicles, in a variety of different model series, onto the roads. For example we are also planning a saloon model with fuel cell drive and will thereby expand our portfolio of local zero-emission vehicles. Therefore, by that time, an infrastructure which allows the everyday operation of such vehicles, needs to be in place.”, according to Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler AG Board Member responsible for Group Research and Development for Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Now is therefore the time to increase speed and consistently develop the hydrogen filling station network.”

Local zero-emission motoring from Miami to Seattle

The second leg of the F-CELL World Drive is taking the three fuel cell vehicles across the North American continent, from Miami right across the USA and as far as Vancouver in Canada. The route then continues by airplane from Seattle to Australia. In doing so, the journey will also highlight the gaps in the American hydrogen infrastructure. By the end of the USA tour the B-Class F-CELL vehicles will have been refuelled around 35 times during 18 legs – but only one time will be at a public hydrogen filling station in Torrance, Los Angeles.

During the tour, the striking green paint finish of the B-Class F-CELL vehicles, which already caused a sensation at the Detroit Motor Show, isn’t the only feature raising attention to the tour. Local events in San Francisco, Sacramento, Salem and Vancouver will also provide the opportunity for an intensive exchange of ideas with local media, visitors and residents on the subject of fuel cell technology.

During this leg of the trip, which is scheduled to take roughly three weeks, participants can expect to enjoy a varied programme providing not only extensive opportunity to experience the B-Class F-CELL, but also interesting information on the topic of sustainable mobility. On 1 March the tour already paid a visit to the Daimler car2go mobility project in Austin, Texas. The next item of the agenda, due to take place on 10 March, is an intensive exchange on the topic of electric mobility at Tesla Motors in Palo Alto. Tesla designs and builds high performance electric cars and supplies powertrain components to leading OEMs. Tesla makes the lithium-ion battery and charger for Daimler’s smart fortwo electric drive and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL. In Vancouver the participants will then be the guests of the Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation (AFCC). This is where the fuel cell stack for the B-Class F-CELL, for example, was developed in close cooperation with Daimler research and development staff from Germany. The company was established in 2007, with Daimler as the majority shareholder (50.1 percent). In addition, while in Vancouver the F-CELL World Drive will also meet up with adventurer and explorer Mike Horn and his PANGAEA Expedition, for which Mercedes-Benz is the main sponsor. The PANGAEA Expedition’s sailing ship has been visiting all of the continents, including both the North and South Pole, since October 2008. Together with young people from all over the world, expedition leader Mike Horn is setting up ecological and social projects on his trip around the world.

Heading through Europe with hydrogen in tow

Prior to setting off in the USA, the vehicles already proved themselves on a route covering more than 3000 kilometres through Southern Europe. The symbolic starting shot for the tour actually sounded on 29 January during the official ceremony to mark the 125th anniversary of the motor car, after which, just one day later, the B-Class

F-CELL vehicles set out on the first stage to Paris. After this they made for the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, driving via France and Spain.

The initial kilometres of the unique world tour have already displayed the need for action in terms of the provision of hydrogen. The accompanying participants from the USA and China discovered that even a fuel cell vehicle such as the B-Class F-CELL can provide an enjoyable and dynamic driving experience as well as high cruising speeds: On the German motorways they kept the vehicles at a speed of 170 km/h. The consequences of this style of driving became apparent later, however, when it was discovered that the tanks of two of the three vehicles were empty approx. 40 kilometres before the scheduled fuel stop. This resulted in the realisation that, even with a fuel cell vehicle, driving fast results in increased consumption, and that all drivers can cover longer local zero-emission motoring distances by adopting an economical driving style. On subsequent legs, the real goal of the participants was to achieve as low a consumption as possible by adopting an appropriate driving style at comfortable speeds. As part of this, one of the drivers even managed to better an NEDC-certified (New European Driving Cycle) value equivalent to 3.3 litres of fuel (diesel equivalent) per 100 kilometers, resulting in a range of 380 km.

For Mercedes-Benz, these initial problems most notably reflect the need for action when it comes to the provision of hydrogen. The refuelling situation on the F-CELL World Drive underpins this issue. At the start in Stuttgart, the vehicles could still be refuelled at the public hydrogen filling station of OMV. However, up until the preliminary leg destination of Lisbon, the vehicles had to resort to alternatives, such as the mobile refuelling vehicle developed specifically for the tour. This was developed in conjunction with Linde AG, which is also guaranteeing the supply of hydrogen for the entire world tour, something which represents a significant challenge since the hydrogen has to be made available at each of the refuelling stops at the right time, in the right quantity and with the necessary degree of purity.

Despite the partial difficult conditions – which a trip around the world brings along with it – after extensive test drives it has become apparent to the participants of the tour that the B-Class F-CELL is highly suited to everyday use. Furthermore, as determined at a routine evening check in Lyon, even animals such as the pine marten are keen on the technology too. Two small holes in the cooling and heating hoses, caused by the teeth of the predators, were the fuel cell vehicle’s first small issues requiring repair.

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive

During the F-CELL World Drive, three Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles are passing through 14 countries and 4 continents – to drive around the globe once. Organised by Mercedes-Benz, the circumnavigation of the world started on 30 January 2011 in Stuttgart and is scheduled to last 125 days, until the vehicles return to Stuttgart again at the beginning of June, after covering a distance of some 30,000 kilometres. The aim of the tour is to demonstrate the technical maturity and suitability for everyday use of electric vehicles with fuel cells, and at the same time highlight the need for a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure. The Stuttgart-based automotive manufacturer is being supported on the tour by Linde AG, which is responsible for supplying the hydrogen.

Mercedes-Benz USA Provided Hybrids and F-Cell Vehicles for 2010 US Open

Mercedes-Benz is dispatched its F-CELL hydrogen fuel vehicles with zero emissions in addition to 75 S400 HYBRID vehicles

As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA that it is a driving force behind the USTA’s commitment to green initiatives by providing Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedans and Mercedes-Benz F-CELL (Hydrogen Electric Vehicle powered by a fuel cell) vehicles representing 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation during the 2010 US Open tournament.

As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation, Mercedes-Benz is dispatched its F-CELL hydrogen fuel vehicles with zero emissions in addition to 75 S400 HYBRID vehicles in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament. The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program three years ago and continues to expand green initiatives each year. In 2010, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste. In addition, a new green PSA campaign is planned featuring Alec Baldwin.

“We are very excited to participate in the USTA’s environmental strategy and positively impact the US Open green initiatives through the Mercedes-Benz transportation fleet. By tapping our portfolio of eco vehicles, we can provide athletes, staff and officials with green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz is committed to exploring new ways through innovative eco mobility to help the USTA expand their environmental initiatives.”

MERCEDES-BENZ S400 HYBRID

The S400 HYBRID features the world’s first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway making it the clear GREEN choice for the US Open transportation fleet.

An added bonus of driving green cars like the Mercedes-Benz Hybrid, beyond not sacrificing space, safety or luxury, is the IRS alternative-powertrain tax credit. The Mercedes-Benz hybrid credit for the S400H is $1150. The current tax credit for the S400 HYBRID is $1150.

MERCEDES-BENZ F-CELL

Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-CELL has a range of about 240 miles refueling with refueling taking only a few minutes. Running on compressed hydrogen, the F-CELL boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 71.3 city-highway combined miles per gallon and water is the F-CELL’s only emission.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter City 77 Makes World Debut at the IAA In Hanover

Environmental friendliness, efficiency, and passenger safety are the focus for Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches

Environmental friendliness, efficiency, and passenger safety will be the focus of new developments for Mercedes-Benz buses and coaches. At the 63rd IAA Commercial Vehicles, in Hall 14/15 Sept. 23-30, 2010, five travel coaches and transit buses will be presented to the public. Among them will be the innovative, zero-emission Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid, and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter City 77 for urban use which will be making its debut at the auto show.

New Sprinter City 77: innovative flagship urban bus joins the minibus line-up

This minibus is XXL: Mercedes-Benz caps its urban minibus range with the new Sprinter City 77. The three-axle 8.7-metre-long urban bus is based on a conventional Sprinter up to the B-pillar. The bus body with twin rear axle and continuous low-floor area is an exclusive in-house development for the Sprinter City 77. Thanks to its capacity of 40 passengers it plugs the gap between the Sprinter City 65 and the Citaro K. The new Sprinter City 77 is around a metre longer than the previous City 65 flagship model and – depending on the equipment options – boasts ten extra passenger seats. The gross vehicle weight of 6.8 t facilitates the high passenger-handling capacity.

Two outward-swinging double doors, which are operated using an innovative drive concept, and a kneeling function along with the stepless low floor throughout ensure fast passenger flow and convenient boarding and alighting. Depending on the configuration a wheelchair bay with a ramp is available at the front or rear. The bright interior with its large windows and large glass doors is spacious and attractive.

The Sprinter City 77 has a wheelbase of 4100 + 990 mm. The air-sprung rear axles feature 235/65 R 16 C single tyres all-round. The relatively short wheelbase and the sleek design make the minibus extremely manoeuvrable: the width of the separately mounted body is just 1.99 metres, making the largest member of the Mercedes-Benz minibus line-up likewise ideally suited to tight inner city areas. Moreover, it is also an ideal solution as a shuttle bus for airports or trade fairs, as well as for rural services.

A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with the most powerful version of the four-cylinder diesel engine provides the platform. Its output of 120 kW (163 hp) and maximum torque of 360 Nm delivers appropriate performance. The Sprinter City 77 is among the cleanest on the block with its EEV emissions standard certification. Power transfer comes courtesy of a convenient fully automatic 5-speed transmission as standard.

Daimler and Dieter Zetsche At World Hydrogen Energy Conference

The aim is to advance electric vehicles with fuel cells and make hydrogen and fuel cell technology part of the future

Showing commitment for the H2 Mobility initiative, Dieter Zetsche accepted the Award IPHE (International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy) in the category” Excellence in Leadership at the opening of the Conference. The aim of the initiative is to advance the commercialization of electric vehicles with fuel cells and make hydrogen and fuel cell technology an integral part in the future of the automotive world.

This is collective effort with EnBW, Linde, OMV, Shell, Total, Vattenfall and the National Organisation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW GmbH) whome all adopted a Memorandum of Understanding that was initiated by Daimler and lime. To reach their goal, they have been building a nationwide hydrogen refueling stations in Germany.

Daimler at the World Hydrogen Energy Conference

The 18th World Hydrogen Energy Conference (WHEC) is considered the world’s most important trade event on hydrogen and its economic use as an energy source. The WHEC pursues the goal of a sustainable, environmentally friendly energy through the use of hydrogen. The international experts will discuss the state of developments and on the market preparation and introduction of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The focus of this year’s conference is on innovations, developments and the latest research results of German industry and science.

For Daimler AG, participation in this conference as part of a mobility issue is an obvious step, because electric vehicles with fuel cell technology is an integral part of the drive Daimler roadmap to sustainable mobility. It allows locally emission-free mobility, range and short refueling times and at the same time high. “It is no longer a question of whether the fuel cell is a viable alternative to the combustion engine, but only when,” said Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG, at the start of the conference. “The technology is already ready for the market. Now, to pave the way for the broad market, we need a targeted research funding, an effective market activation and binding, global standards, “said Dieter Zetsche.

Ride & Drive with electric vehicles with fuel cell

Insights into market-ready state of the art Mercedes-Benz give presentations and exhibits on Daimler’s stand, and the opportunity to Ride & Drive. In addition to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL, and the Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL hybrid is represented at the WHEC. All attendees of the conference, both vehicles offered under the Ride & Drive and try to experience yourself. Both vehicles impressively demonstrate the tangible everyday practicality of fuel cell technology from Daimler.

Introduction of electric vehicles with fuel cell

Ongoing demonstration projects such as the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), in which the oil industry, energy suppliers and the automotive industry are involved show that the manufacture, storage, transport and use of compressed hydrogen is technically possible, as well as the construction of the necessary infrastructure. In addition, the leading car manufacturer, an MoU for the development and market introduction of electric vehicles have announced a fuel cell. You do this by 2015 worldwide by several hundred thousand vehicles over the entire life cycle.