DaimlerChrysler shows off their F600 fuel cell concept car to journalists
Over the past month, GM and Honda have relished in the fuel cell spotlight. Enough is enough, says DaimlerChrysler. To get in on the media blitz, they've started taking automotive journalists on ride-alongs in their Mercedes F600 Hygenius fuel cell prototype which was first introduced to the public at last year's Tokyo auto show.
Auto Express was the first to be granted the passenger seat of DaimlerChrysler's hydrogen car. Journalist Paul Bailey comments on the futuristic lines of the vehicle and says that "the most spectacular achievement is the space." It's a bit humorous to hear that quote come from someone who's sitting inside one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the world.
The F600 features an advanced lithium-ion battery which complements its fuel cell stack somewhat similar to a hybrid. At low speeds, the motor pulls power from the battery leaving the higher performance work for the stack. The car also offers what Mercedes calls a "hydrogen turbocharger." Bailey says it "forces more gases through the engine," but from what I understand, it uses a compressor to stream more hydrogen through the fuel cell stack creating a higher electrical output for use by the motor.
As for performance, the F600 will do 0-60 in 11.7 seconds with a top speed of 105 mph and an average range of 248 miles.
[Source: Auto Express]
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