Mercedes-Benz gets real with Hydrogen-powered GLC SUV
GLC F-Cell concept previews production H2-powered SUV that arrives 2017Mercedes-Benz has revealed a near production plug-in hybrid fuel-cell version of its GLC SUV it plans to begin selling as early as next year.
Called the GLC F-Cell, the new hydrogen fuel-cell-powered SUV is claimed to be a world's first thanks to its plug-in ability to charge on-board batteries that give the small Mercedes SUV a pure-electric range of 48km.
Key to the GLC F-Cell's new powertrain is an all-new hydrogen fuel-cell that has been co-developed with Ford that's said to be so compact it can fill the space where you would normally find a petrol or diesel engine.
The near-production concept car's hydrogen cells generates electricity that powers a large electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Space limitations means all-wheel drive is not possible, says engineers.
Factor in the new plug-in ability and the German car-maker claims its GLC F-Cell has a combined range of more than 500km. Featuring two carbon-fibre tanks placed below the floor, it take three minutes to fully fill the twin-tanks that store the hydrogen fuel at a pressure of 700 bar.
The CLC F-Cell will rival cars like the Toyota Mirai, Honda Clarity and Hyundai's forthcoming hydrogen-powered Tucson.
When it goes on sale next year Mercedes is expected to price the CLC F-Cell from around $100,000, although, most customers are expected to lease the hydrogen-powered SUV.
Until the infrastructure improves here, it's very unlikely Mercedes Australia will consider importing any vehicles powered by fuel-cell technology.
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