Mercedes Benz could go Electric

Normally, electric and fuel cell concept vehicles do little to excite many gear-heads; but, when Mercedes Benz has something new, it is worth taking notice. Let me put it another way, if we are about to embark on greener, less conventional thinking for our transportation needs – I would rather have Mercedes Benz at the forefront.

Here’s the press release:

Mercedes-Benz presents a modular drive concept for electric vehicles: Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO: three-fold proof of the everyday practicality of zero-emission vehicles

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz is showing the way ahead in environmentally responsible electromobility by presenting its near-series Concept BlueZERO at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Based on a single vehicle architecture, this intelligent, modular concept allows three models with different drive configurations, all of which are able to meet customer requirements in terms of sustainable mobility:

• the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometers using electric drive alone
• the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometers using electric drive
• the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender). This version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometers and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometers using electric drive alone.

The three BlueZERO variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems. Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design, and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody. The five-seater BlueZERO concept cars also set standards in terms of lightweight design, interior layout, and body form.

"The flexible BlueZERO concept allows electromobility for every requirement and highlights the fact that Mercedes-Benz is the world's only car manufacturer to already have in place all the key technologies for electric cars offering full everyday practicality", says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.