Mercedes fuel cell: hydrogen technology ready for series production by 2015

In five years the technology should also be able to compete with other drives in terms of costs: 'With a corresponding number of units, we are at the level of a vehicle with a diesel hybrid,' said Mohrdieck. Mass production is unrealistic for the time being, mainly because of the lack of infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles.

Hydrogen prototypes run successfully

The electric drive, for which the electricity is generated from hydrogen through a chemical reaction has already proven itself, the developer explained, referring to the B-Class F-Cell. It drives up to 400 kilometers with a 100 kW electric motor.

After the hydrogen drive in converted A-Class vehicles has already completed more than two million test kilometers, Mercedes is now starting in the US, among other places California with the delivery of small B-class test fleets. The company currently builds 3 cars a day. 70 vehicles are destined for California. Around 200 fuel cells are to be produced by the end of 2011.