Mercedes GLC F-Cell Combines Plug-In Power With Fuel Cell Tech

Daimler has just unveiled a unique new option for emissions-free driving, the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell, which is the first production car to combine plug-in battery power with hydrogen fuel cells.

Debuting at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the all-electric Mercedes GLC F-Cell should be able to travel 271 miles (437 km) on full 4.4 kg tank of hydrogen, and the range is bumped up by about 30 miles (49 km) by the 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for a total range of about 301 miles (486 km) on the generous European cycle.

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Combined output for the luxury crossover is about 197 hp (147 kW) and a hearty 258 lb-ft of torque. Charging time for the battery on a standard household outlet using the 7.2 kW on-board chargers takes just 1.5 hours and refueling the hydrogen tanks takes the same amount of time as a regular gas car.

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The GLC F-Cell will have three driving modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport), as well as four operating modes (Hybrid, F-Cell, Battery and Charge). Of course, the crossover will also come with all of Mercedes’ advanced safety features and driver assistance features. In terms of practicality, the F-Cell has a slightly smaller cargo capacity and higher rear bench position because of the placement of the hydrogen tanks. Inside, the GLC F-Cell gets a new multi-function touchpad with handwriting and multi-touch gesture recognition. On the outside, blue details and new aerodynamic wheels set the F-Cell apart from other GLC variants.

The Mercedes GLC F-Cell will go on sale in the U.S. but the end of 2019, but it’s unlikely that it will be sold outside of California, as there are only 39 hydrogen refueling stations available in the U.S. and all but four of them are in California.

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