Here is a fun fact: Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to produce a fuel-cell vehicle in 1994. That is right, 17 years ago. It debuted as NECAR5 - new electric car - as a single-seat van. Its battery pack, fuel cell, electric drive unit, and associated control devices, however, took up all the interior space and made it impractical for consumers. How has fuel cell vehicles improved since then Tremendously in every sector, but the biggest challenge still remains, the hydrogen infrastructure.
Mercedes-Benz plans to sell F-cell cars in the States by 2015. It is thus building 40 filling stations, yet Korea is in its infancy. Benz is nudging its way into the eco friendly car market with their new B-Class F-Cell model. This is the first Mercedes-Benz fuel cell vehicle that is designed for mass production. With its compact, powerful, and safe electric motor system that uses fuel cells for propulsion, this model will be easy to use, and safe for the environment.
Furthermore, the only thing the fuel cells emit after propulsion is water, or in other words it emits no pollution. What makes this B-class F-Cell a zero-emission car is its polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. B-Class boasts the same power as a 2-liter gasoline vehicle with 136 hp and 290 Nm peak torque. The amount of fuel consumed per 100 km is 3.3 liters, same as a diesel engine, allowing efficient yet eco-friendly transportation.
Honda
With the lighter and more compact V-Flow engine's fuel cell stack, the FCX Clarity recorded a record output of 100 kW and a high-speed of 160 km/h. The various components for a fuel cell vehicle such as the fuel cell stack, lithium-ion battery and high pressure hydrogen tank and other motor system parts were minimized in size, creating more space and raising energy efficiency.
The innovative U3-X also is wowing the visitors. As a part of a drive to 'expand the joy and pleasure of mobility', Honda developed their newest mode of transport, the U3-X in fall 2009. U3-X stands for Unique, Universal, Unicycle and Undefined. "The number 3 stands for Honda's 3rd generation test models and X shows the unlimited potential and mystery," the spokesperson explained at the show.
The U3-X is a 1-wheeled mode of transport that utilizes the balance control technology of the ASIMO model robot. This vehicle can move in any direction and is made for easy utilization, weighing less than 10 kg as the height of 65 cm. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work for one hour after charging and the top speed is around 6 km, which is a bit faster than walking speed.
Honda's Omni-Traction Drive System was first utilized in the development of U3-X. This system incorporates a small motor inside the main wheel, so that it can move in any direction even though the main wheel moves only forwards and backwards. This technology allows smart computers inside the vehicle to make minor adjustments to its body, creating balance like holding a stick on the palm of a hand.
Since hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, F-cell vehicles definitely have a market in the future. So are you ready hydrogen infrastructure
Then there are other eco-friendly cars like the Honda Insight and Volkswagen as one as well.
Honda Insight is an eco friendly hybrid exclusive model. With the 1.3L i-VTEC engine and Integrated Motor Assist system, this model can run at an efficient 23 km/L with low gas emissions. The ECO assist system is also built into the car, which shows the driver the best way to drive for recommended fuel efficiency, using colored cues on the speedometer and a leaf-shaped display, which shows the eco-driving point of the driver.
Volkswagen presents the New Zetta 1.6 TDI BlueMotion. At their BlueMotion Zone, all suggestions are made to bring down the carbon dioxide emission level to 350 ppm. Many visitors shared the same thought at the zone regarding to the "350 Campaign". Volkswagen's eco friendly New Zetta hybrid model is 9 cm longer than the previous models, and will be available as 1.6 TDI as well as 2.0 TDI.
