News
![]()
2005 Tokyo: Mercedes claims 97 mpg for fuel cell concept car
GREG KABLE - Autoweek
Posted Date: 10/19/05
Mercedes-Benz showcased DaimlerChrysler’s latest technology in the F600 Hygenius, a futuristic four-seater that uses fuel cell propulsion and electric drive to return a claimed average 97 mpg.
Revealed at the Tokyo motor show, the research vehicle’s theoretical range of 250 miles per tank of hydrogen represents a 16 percent improvement over the German automaker’s previous fuel cell vehicles.
Mercedes research and development boss Thomas Weber says the F600 Hygenius advancements are “a big step toward the future production potential of fuel cells” that will appear on future cars.
![]()
At the heart of the car is an advanced fuel cell stack that Mercedes plans to begin producing sometime between 2012 and 2015. Some 40 percent more compact and significantly more efficient than Mercedes’ earlier systems, it is mounted in the F600 Hygenius’ sloping nose and is fueled by a hydrogen tank fitted within the research vehicle’s flat floor structure.
The compressed hydrogen is combined with oxygen to produce electricity, which in turn powers an electric motor capable of putting out a maximum of 115 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The system uses a lithium-ion battery that is also recharged under braking.
As well as providing a glimpse into the future of Mercedes’ driveline technology, the F600 Hygenius gives some clues to the look of the next-generation C-Class due out in 2007, especially its headlights and boldly flared wheel arches.
2005 Tokyo: Mercedes claims 97 mpg for fuel cell concept car
GREG KABLE - Autoweek
Posted Date: 10/19/05
Mercedes-Benz showcased DaimlerChrysler’s latest technology in the F600 Hygenius, a futuristic four-seater that uses fuel cell propulsion and electric drive to return a claimed average 97 mpg.
Revealed at the Tokyo motor show, the research vehicle’s theoretical range of 250 miles per tank of hydrogen represents a 16 percent improvement over the German automaker’s previous fuel cell vehicles.
Mercedes research and development boss Thomas Weber says the F600 Hygenius advancements are “a big step toward the future production potential of fuel cells” that will appear on future cars.
The compressed hydrogen is combined with oxygen to produce electricity, which in turn powers an electric motor capable of putting out a maximum of 115 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The system uses a lithium-ion battery that is also recharged under braking.
As well as providing a glimpse into the future of Mercedes’ driveline technology, the F600 Hygenius gives some clues to the look of the next-generation C-Class due out in 2007, especially its headlights and boldly flared wheel arches.
