The trip kicks off in Stuttgart on January 29, which Mercedes-Benz marks as the official 125th birthday of the automobile. The plan calls for three B-Class models equipped with Mercedes-Benz F-Cell technology to embark on a journey covering four continents, 14 countries, and some 20,000 miles--including a significant chunk of the United States--before returning to Stuttgart 125 days later. The trip may include a B-Class reunion in California, where the carmaker has recently delivered the first of 70 fuel-cell vehicles planned to go to selected customers. A subcompact model, the conventionally powered B-Class is not sold in the United States.
While part of the goal is to prove the reliability of the hydrogen-electric drivetrain, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to draw attention to the need for infrastructure to support hydrogen powered vehicles--something they say is the responsibility of governments and the energy sector.
To ensure a sufficient fuel supply for the vehicles en route, a specially prepared fuel tanker from energy provider Linde AG will accompany the convoy. Mercedes-Benz says the cars can be recharged with hydrogen in three minutes per stop.
Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/01/2011-detroit-auto-show-mercedes-benz-20000-mile-f-cell-world-drive-to-prove-viability-of-hydrogen-fu.html
Mercedes of Elmbrook
