Mercedes Benz GLC F-Cell: electricity and hydrogen are not incompatible

Mercedes has unveiled a pre-series model (a definitive prototype that could reach the market at any time) at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens up a new form of propulsion in the industry. What we did not expect is that the GLC F-Cell would be a model with three different types of engines: electric, hydrogen fuel cell and combustion.

The GLC F-Cell is a hybrid model that combines a traditional plug-in electric motor with a hydrogen fuel cell. It is the first plug-in hydrogen hybrid vehicle presented by a manufacturer and anticipates what could be a new form of eco-friendly mobility without range anxiety.

The Mercedes Benz GLC F-Cell is a “doubly electric car” (tri-hybrid we could say) that incorporates a plug-in electric powertrain of 147 kW (200 CV) and 350 Nm of torque, a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery capacity, a small hydrogen fuel cell battery (it supplies 40% of the energy to the mechanical system) and a 4.4-litre hydrogen tank.

The lithium-ion battery of this model offers up to 50 kilometres of range, while the vehicle is capable of covering a total of 486 kilometres (according to the NEDC cycle) with all its energy sources fully charged.

The fuel cell of the GLC F-Cell is not entirely new, as it is an improved version of the one fitted to the B-Class F-Cell, a hydrogen compact that has been on the market for seven years. The new hydrogen fuel cell of Mercedes delivers 40% more energy in a package that is 30% smaller. The compact size of this component allows it to be placed under the bonnet, which helps free up some space inside the cabin and even lower the car’s centre of gravity.