Few years back, there was a sudden drift towards hydrogen fuel-cell technology, and several automotive giants were working towards the next alternate fuel for their cars. As electric vehicles have recently gained popularity with great potential to grow, the hydrogen fuel-cell technology is rendered dry. However, Mercedes-Benz has been faithful to the alternate fuel and plans to take a step ahead to mass production.
According to Automotive News, the German automaker is on schedule for a 2014 launch of two hydrogen powered vehicles. Moreover, the second model of the green, clean machine is going to be a SUV or a large sedan.
In a recent report, Mercedes-Benz’s product planner Sascha Simon, announced that the vehicles will be first made available to California, before trickling down to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The delay is subjected to availability of apt fueling stations and potential customers.
Mercedes-Benz had previously unveiled the F125! Concept – the vehicle of the 620-mile driving range brought about by its hydrogen fuel-cell range-extended electric drivetrain. This concept had a 0-100 kmph of 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 218 kmph. The German automaker also took three of its B-Class F-Cell models on a journey around the globe, showcasing the possibility of the alternate fuel source on road-going cars. It also revealed Mercedes’ plans to mass produce the model and reschedule the launch from 2015 to 2014.
While the alternate-fuel technology is getting more real, Merc is also taking time to promote hydrogen filling stations, cooperating with energy companies and government agencies to set up the necessary infrastructure to encourage clean and green driving.