Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Alternative Fuel

Back in April, Mercedes-Benz announced its plans to begin small-scale series production of a new hydrogen fuel cell-powered automobile called the F-Cell. According to the German automaker, the car is nearly ready to launch, with 200 vehicles slated to be leased throughout the United States and Europe early next year.

The front-wheel drive F-Cell is based on Mercedes-Benz' B-Class platform and uses a 100 kW electric motor that puts out an impressive 214 lb-ft of torque. M-B claims this powertrain will offer comparable performance to a 2.0-liter gas-powered automobile (the run to 60 will take under 11 seconds) while returning the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on the European combined cycle.

Sandwiched under the car's floor will be a 1.4 kWh lithium ion battery that recaptures energy normally lost to braking. We'd also figure that battery pack will provide an even flow of electrons to the motor while the fuel cell hums away silently. Range is quoted at around 250 miles and Mercedes claims a hydrogen recharge time of just three minutes. Expect more details on the car to emerge at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launches B-Class F-Cell, leases to begin in early 2010

Mercedes-Benz launches B-Class F-Cell, leases to begin in early 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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