Mercedes-Benz Fuel-Cell car ready for the world in 2014

June 22, 2011June 22, 2011 Omar Rana B-Class, hydrogen fuel-cells, Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL, Mercedes-Benz BlueZero F-Cell, Mercedes-Benz F-Cell

Mercedes-Benz is eager to get its fuel-cell car on sale and is moving production goals from 2015 to 2014.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, discussed the decision on Tuesday morning at a media round table. He notes that “The product is ready for the market technically… We have proven that by sending three vehicles with a fuel cell around the globe without any relevant problems. The issue is infrastructure.” He continues on, noting that because of this success they chose to move up the production dates.

Presently, the vehicle has no name and no price range. The vehicle is expected to be based on the B-Class, should have a range of 250 miles, and be suitable as a daily driver.

“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,” Zetsche, said. “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.

Hopefully, Mercedes takes the next few years to improve upon the vehicles aesthetics. The B Class design, reminiscent of the ’02 Civic Si Hatchback, can hopefully be put aside for something more appealing to the masses. Don’t you agree?

– By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Inside Line