Mercedes-Benz will unveil a near production-ready hydrogen
fuel cell car based on the GLC platform during next week’s 2017 Frankfurt auto
show.
Development, a glimpse of which is shown here, has been
ongoing for some time. For production, the zero-emission SUV dons the new EQ
Power label Mercedes is using for vehicles fitted with alternative powertrains.
The GLC F-Cell EQ Power is an evolution of the prototype
unveiled in 2016, and right now it isn’t confirmed whether we’ll see it in
the United States, although there’s a good chance we will.
Mercedes’ design is different to most other fuel cell
vehicles in that it is a plug-in hybrid, a hydrogen-electric plug-in hybrid.
Thanks to a sizable battery, drivers will be able to charge the SUV at public
charging stations instead of solely relying on almost non-existent hydrogen
stations when the tanks are empty.
Mercedes hasn’t released any specs for the GLC F-Cell EQ
Power but the prototype featured a 9.0-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery good
for 30 miles of range. With the battery fully charged and the hydrogen tanks
filled, the prototype was good for 300 miles of range.
Automakers are faced with a number of options when it comes
to alternative powertrains. Right now gasoline-electric plug-in hybrids and
battery-powered electrics are gaining traction, but automakers are still
hedging their bets with fuel cells.
Mercedes at one point was prepared to launch a fuel cell car
on the market as early as 2014, following positive results from a trial fleet
of fuel
cell-equipped B-Class minivans launched in 2009. The automaker
eventually axed those
plans because the low expected volume would have made the cars too
expensive.
Mercedes will have a very busy stand at the upcoming
Frankfurt show. The main highlight will be the code-named Project
One hypercar from Mercedes-AMG. Also present will be a compact
electric car concept from the new EQ sub-brand, a self-driving concept
from Smart, updated versions of the S-Class Coupe
and Cabriolet, and the X-Class
pickup truck.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1025435_mercedes-glc-f-cell-eq-power-fuel-cell-powered-suv-teased-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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