Mercedes GLC F-Cell Hydrogen Prototype Unveiled, the World’s First Hydrogen Plug-In Vehicle

Recently the automaker previewed its brand-new Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell, which likewise includes plug-in battery technology. Benz states it’ll be the very first plug-in, hydrogen-powered vehicle readily available when it enters into production next year.

A crucial point here is the ability to charge the 9-kWh lithium-ion battery through a plug. Mercedes states the GLC F-Cell supplies about 31 miles of range on battery power alone, which suggests most owners might go extended periods of time without depending upon the car’s hydrogen equation. This is particularly essential now as cities continue to grow the fairly small network of hydrogen fueling stations.

Mercedes has invested years investigating and establishing its B-Class F-Cell, and all that screening has resulted in a number of benefits for the GLC F-Cell. Benz says the GLC’s fuel-cell system is 30-percent smaller, allowing all the drive unit’s parts to fit in the engine bay. The fuel cell system likewise includes 90 percent less platinum, which has dramatically cut costs.

On the other hand, about 8.8 pounds of hydrogen is kept in two carbon fiber tanks that sit at the car’s floor (one underneath the rear seats and another in the middle). The battery, electrical motor, and charging unit are all combined at the rear of the GLC. Mercedes declares the battery and fuel-cell systems suffice to supply around 311 miles of range. The company didn’t told about charge times for the battery, though it says the hydrogen tanks can be filled up in about 3 minutes. Benz will likely unveil more details on the GLC F-Cell at the 2016 Paris Motor Show this September.