Autoblog

Toyota's production fuel cell car to cost between $50-100k

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:45:00 EST

While the cost of building a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle continues to go down over time, reports over the last few years have steadily maintained that the first Toyota hydrogen-powered vehicles for customers should ring up for around $50,000. Company officials cited this figure way back in 2010, and have reiterated it in subsequent years.

So, while a recent Automotive News report about the cost of Toyota's 2015 Hydrogen car doesn't offer up any new figures, it does offer an interesting pricing wrinkle. According to the report, the "cost factor" for the hydrogen vehicles will be in the $50k ballpark, meaning the retail price could be anywhere from there, up to as much as around $100,000.

While certainly not inexpensive, being able to produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for fifty large is a pretty massive improvement over the prototype cost of a few years ago, when the sticker was about $1 million a pop. While these very expensive prototypes are based on previous-generation Highlanders (pictured above), we're told to expect that the final product will be a lot more in line with the Prius, as far as size and shape.

Toyota's production fuel cell car to cost between $50-100k originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, Toyota outline new tech joint venture, new sports car

Chris Tutor — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, BMW, Toyota, Electric

Back in June, Toyota and BMW announced a "memorandum of understanding" outlining plans for the two companies to join forces on future products and technology development. On Thursday, they signed a more formal and binding agreement that goes further into detail about the partnership, and it all sounds pretty exciting. The two announced they will work together in four main areas:

Joint development of a fuel cell system
"Set up a feasibility study to define a joint platform concept for a mid-size sports vehicle"
Focus on lightweight technology - the agreement mentions reinforced composites that could be used in the aforementioned sports vehicle
Better batteries - the companies will work to develop a lithium-air battery with a much greater energy density than today's cells.

The most intriguing item is the mention of a "mid-size sports vehicle." The vague term had us wondering what, exactly, is meant by "sports vehicle," but we're being assured this feasibility study is centered on a sports car. Is this the first step toward a Supra revival?

Despite our fervor for all things sports car, however, fuel cell research could prove to be the pact's most important point. Both companies have built advanced fuel research vehicles, with Toyota favoring fuel cells and BMW leaning toward hydrogen-powered, internal combustion. The press release specifically lists fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks, motors and batteries as areas of interest. If the two can eventually bring a fuel-cell vehicle to market at an affordable price point, it would be huge news, although there's always the problem of infrastructure to support such cars. BMW and Toyota's new deal can't solve everything though, right? Read the full press release below for more information.

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BMW, Toyota outline new tech joint venture, new sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi working on new fuels to make cars carbon neutral

Matt DeLorenzo — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Audi

A car can be considered CO2 neutral if the amount of greenhouse gas used in creating the fuel is balanced against the CO2 emitted by the vehicle in operation.

Even as automakers move to increase the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell vehicles and hybrids, internal combustion technology is not standing still. In fact, Audi believes that the future will see a mix of propulsion technologies and that internal combustion can play a role in producing vehicles that have minimal CO2 impact on the environment. As shown by Toyota's recent announcement to slow-walk EVs, the industry is looking into other alternatives besides pure electrics to meet ever-tightening Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and zero-emission mandates like those enacted by California.

Rupert Stadler, Audi's chairman, asserts that "the future of mobility will be multi-faceted." And while Audi will offer pure electrics, like the R8 E-Tron, officials from the company insist that the combustion engine still remains an important element in the overall picture. Key elements in this strategy include more fuel efficient gas and diesel engines using such advanced technology as electric forced induction and stop-start technology that includes shutting the engine off when the vehicle is coasting. Audi will also offer a unique dual-fuel A3 that uses both compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline power that promises a range of around 750 miles in an A3.

Beyond the approach of upgrading the hardware, Audi is also looking at vehicle fuels themselves as a means to reduce carbon emissions. The company believes that an internal combustion car can be considered CO2 neutral if the amount of greenhouse gas used in creating the fuel is balanced against the CO2 emitted by the vehicle in operation. The argument goes that a BEV is only CO2-free if its electricity comes from nuclear, hydro, wind or solar sources and actually contributes to CO2 emissions if the electricity comes from a coal- or gas-fired generator. Following this line of reasoning to its logical conclusion, Audi is now involved in several projects to make ethanol, diesel and natural gas that uses CO2 in the production process.

Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

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Hyundai ix35 lays claim to world's first production fuel cell vehicle title

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Hyundai, Electric

Lo and behold, folks: Hyundai has wowed the crowds in Paris with what it says is the world's first serial production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Honda may disagree, but the Korean automaker says its ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle will be made available for private and public lease by the end of 2012, making it the first commercially available vehicle running on hydrogen.

Production is slated to begin in December of 2012, and Hyundai plans to produce 1,000 ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles by 2015, after which mass production across the globe is planned. We'll see.

As with all vehicles powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, water vapor is the only thing exhausted out the tailpipe. Besides the lack of emissions and the sound of an internal combustion engine, Hyundai says its new alt-fuel crossover is indistinguishable from a regular gas-burning ix35 (better known in North America as the Hyundai Tucson).

With a range of up to 365 miles, this is one is a seemingly practical zero-emission machine. Powerful, though, it is not - Hyundai quotes a top speed of 100 miles per hour and a 0-62 mph run of 12.5 seconds. Read all about the ix35 Fuel Cell below, but not before checking out our high-res gallery of live shots above.

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Hyundai ix35 lays claim to world's first production fuel cell vehicle title originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Terra Concept takes zero emissions off road [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Nissan, Electric

Nissan already has the Xterra, but from the looks of it, its new Paris Motor Show concept vehicle could be called the eTerra. In reality, Nissan's new off-road-ready, fuel cell concept is known simply as the Terra Concept, and while it sounds like there are no plans to build such a vehicle just yet, it doesn't hurt to dream.

The Terra Concept has a style that instantly reminds us of the Juke and of the 2009 Qazana concept utility that previewed it - but its tall stance shows that it means business on the trail. As an electric four-wheel-drive vehicle, the Terra uses three separate motors, with the front wheels being driven by the same system currently used in the Nissan Leaf and the rear wheels driven by two motors powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The benefit of such a system means that in everyday driving, the front wheels can do most of the work, and when added traction is needed, the rear motors can kick in to power through whatever terrain it comes across.

In terms of the interior, the TeRRa Concept looks the part with a futuristic cabin, and having the motors independently mounted at the front and rear means that designers have been able to fit a flat load floor for improved cargo potential.

Nissan points out that hydrogen fuel cell stacks cost far less than they did just seven years ago, and it sounds like the only thing limiting Nissan from having a fuel-cell vehicle right now is the lack of a proper hydrogen fuel infrastructure. And even that might not be a limitation - we already know that Nissan is working on delivering a fuel-cell vehicle vehicle by 2015.

The best part of an electric fuel-cell off-road vehicle like the Terra Concept hints at is that, as a zero-emission vehicle, that sounds like the ultimate way to "Tread Lightly" to us.

Check out our live images of the Terra Concept on display in Paris, and scroll down for Nissan's official press release.

Continue reading Nissan Terra Concept takes zero emissions off road [w/video]

Nissan Terra Concept takes zero emissions off road [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW and Toyota to partner on sports car and EV tech

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 09:48:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, BMW, Toyota, Electric

If you are any other carmaker, this is really not what you want to hear on a Friday morning: The industry's 800-pound gorilla and one of its most profitable brands are joining forces. If you are an enthusiast (or environmentalist), however, the would-be products of this collaboration may have you cheering like a Miami Heat fan.

While details are admittedly scarce, the notion of BMW and Toyota throwing in on a sports car has us tickled, especially considering how well the Japanese giant's liaison with Subaru to produce the BRZ and Scion FR-S has turned out. The other aspects of this just-announced BMW-Toyota agreement - a fuel cell system, powertrain electrification and lightweighting technology - make the project sound even more like the stuff of dreams. The expansive partnership builds on a deal between the two automakers brokered in March to collaborate on next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

Count us among those waiting with bated breath to see whether they come true.

For more details, scroll down to read BMW's official press release.

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BMW and Toyota to partner on sports car and EV tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alt-fuel cars unsustainable without government assistance

Zach Bowman — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Government/Legal, Technology, Electric

According to the 2012 U.S. Automotive Industry Survey and Confidence Index by Booz & Co., alternative vehicle powertrains may take up as much as 10 percent of the total market by 2020, but only if the federal government continues to support development.

Without a helping hand from Uncle Sam, only 30 percent of the researchers, executives and consumers who participated in the survey believe alternative-fuel machines will be able to carve out that small slice of the market. Specifically, federal tax incentives for potential buyers could help push the technology forward in the future.

According to Wards Auto, further development faces a double hurdle. First, additional urban planning is required to demonstrate plug-in hybrids and EVs will be viable options for buyers, but at the same time, government agencies also need to see fuel cell and battery costs come down before being willing to pony up for chargers or incentives.

Even so, 70 percent of those surveyed said they were more confident about future hybrid demand than they were in 2011. Take a look at the full survey results here.

Alt-fuel cars unsustainable without government assistance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz attempts to make an invisible car

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

Automakers are engaged in a constant struggle to get their products noticed. From clever advertising to sneaky movie deals and wild stunts, putting a vehicle in front of the public is the first step toward wrangling better sales figures. Mercedes-Benz recently took a different approach for the upcoming hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the F-Cell. While the company rolled out a special version of the car in front of the public, it did its best to hide the hatchback behind a veil of special LED matting. The LEDs were paired to a Canon 5D Mark II on the other side of the car, which supplied video.

As a result, the LEDs project an image of what's on the other side of the vehicle, making the F-Cell effectively invisible. Why hide a new car behind a curtain of techno wizardry? Mercedes-Benz wants to underscore the fact that the F-Cell is a zero-emission vehicle, making it practically invisible in terms of pollution. We see what you did there, Mercedes-Benz. Check out the video for yourself below.

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Mercedes-Benz attempts to make an invisible car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global auto execs don't see electric cars making big inroads for at least a decade

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Electric

A new survey by audit powerhouse KPMG suggests auto executives don't see electrified car sales passing 15 percent of global sales until at least 2025. Yet despite the slowly developing market, these same execs foresee substantial increased investment in electric and hybrid car production along with research and development. Given very limited consumer acceptance of hybrid cars since their U.S. introduction back in late 1999 (gas-electric new car sales are still around two percent), cautious sales estimates seem like par for the course.

Among the many highlights of the survey that polled 200 executives is word that 83 percent expect an increase in electric motor production, 81 percent think automakers will increase investment in battery technology, 76 percent see more power electronics investment, and 65 percent see increased investment in fuel cells. The survey results didn't show any conclusive winner as to which sort of alternative fuel technology might win out, with 20 percent choosing fuel cell vehicles, 16 percent picking battery-powered electrics, 22 percent choosing hybrids, 21 percent weighing in on plug-in hybrids, and 18 percent opting for battery-powered electrics with range extenders.

Perhaps the most interesting nugget we see is that 61 percent of the executives surveyed agreed that "the optimization (so-called downsizing) of internal combustion engines (ICE) still offers greater efficiency and CO2 reduction potential than any electric vehicle technology based on the current energy mix."

Click past the jump to read the full press release results.

Continue reading Global auto execs don't see electric cars making big inroads for at least a decade

Global auto execs don't see electric cars making big inroads for at least a decade originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California lawmakers push for 1.4M zero-emissions vehicles on the road

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Electric

TheDetroitBureau.com reports that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is out to change the zero-emissions-vehicle (ZEV) game again, this time revising its desired numbers for vehicle sales and prodding industry to make alternative fuels more available. From 2018 to 2025, CARB wants ZEVs to number 1.4 million sales every year. According to its numbers, by 2025, that would result in a decrease of 52 million metric tons of emissions.

But what good is a car that runs on hydrogen without convenient places to refuel? The Cleans Fuels Outlet part of its plan "would require oil companies to install hydrogen refueling stations." That part of the plan sounds like it will be rather expensive for someone, but according to CARB, somehow it won't be the consumer: CARB says residents will save $22 billion on fuel costs, 21,000 jobs will be created because of the move to different fuels, and a car buyer in 2025 would save $4,000 over the life of the car even with the extra cost of the tech.

What's more, in 2017, CARB - in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency - has released an emissions-level limit of 166 g/km for cars sold in the state. That would represent another 34 percent drop from the emissions levels targeted in 2016.

California lawmakers push for 1.4M zero-emissions vehicles on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors, BMW to shack up on fuel cell development

Zach Bowman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, BMW, GM

Reuters reports that General Motors and BMW are headed toward a partnership that may see the two automakers join forces on the creation of a fuel cell system. German business magazine Wirtschafts Woche has cited unnamed industry sources as saying talks between the companies are already quite advanced, and that the duo may formalize the agreement soon.

GM has already established itself as an industry authority on fuel cell vehicles, and BMW is likely hoping to leverage some of that knowledge into its own products. GM has refused to comment on the partnership, though BMW has said that the two companies are "speaking about various future technologies."

The German automaker seems to be on the equivalent of a green-tech land grab. Earlier this month, the company announced a similar partnership with Toyota designed to foster collaboration toward new green technology.

We aren't surprised to see automakers joining forces on green tech. Research and development can be costly, and it only makes sense to spread that financial burden out amongst as many collaborators as possible.

General Motors, BMW to shack up on fuel cell development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FCV-R Concept is otherworldly

Zach Bowman — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota is out to prove that the fuel cell vehicle isn't as dead as we thought. Despite the fact that a hydrogen infrastructure is no closer to reality now than it was five years ago, the company unveiled its FCV-R Concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Engineers snugged the fuel cell unit beneath the passenger cell to preserve passenger and cargo capacity. The FCV-R Concept boasts space for four and their gear, and Toyota claims that the vehicle has a range of around 435 miles. That works for us. Currently, the FCV-R is only a concept, though it's interesting to see Toyota playing with hydrogen fuel cell technology once again.

Will the tech eventually make its way to the road? Here's hoping. Toyota has already made it clear the automaker wants to see the Prius range become its best-selling nameplate in the near future, and a fuel-cell version could be part of those plans. Hit the jump for the full press release.

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Toyota FCV-R Concept is otherworldly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan fuel cell vehicle on track for 2015

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Nissan, Electric

With over 20,000 Leafs running around the planet, Nissan is looking to introduce yet another alt-powered vehicle to the world, and judging by its recent work with fuel cells, a hydrogen-powered vehicle could be here in about four years.

Today in Japan, Nissan showed off its next-generation fuel cell stack, the one that the automaker has claimed has the world's best power density for its size. Compared to the 2005 model (above, left), the new fuel cell (above, right) has 2.5-times more storage capacity while being both smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Weight is down from 265 pounds to just under 90 pounds and output is up to 2.5 kilowatts per liter.

This third-generation fuel cell stack makes uses of an improved Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), which combined with single-row lamination, has reduced the size by over half. More importantly, the amount of platinum bits inside has been decreased, which means this new cell is about one-sixth the cost of the last generation design. But - and there's always a "but" when it comes fuel cells - the cost of production is around $50,000. However, that price is set to come down and one engineer confided in us that he'd like to half the size and components yet again, while providing 1.25-times more storage.

Considering Nissan's EV push with the Leaf, we could see the automaker's first fuel cell vehicle on the market in 2015. Earlier reports said Nissan wanted to launch its fuel cell car at a cost of less than ten million yen ($128,000 U.S. at today's exchange rate). In its recent "mid-term environmental plan," Nissan said it plans to sell 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles by 2016 (some coming from Alliance partner Renault). That number includes all-electric vehicles as well as an "all-new fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) together with strategic partner, Daimler," Nissan said in a press release last month. Now about that infrastructure...

Nissan fuel cell vehicle on track for 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daihatsu bringing electric, fuel cell and efficient gas car to Tokyo Motor Show

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:02:00 EST

The quirkiness - i.e., stuff like this - continues. As a preview for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu has released images of the D-X, something called the Pico (above) and the FC Sho Case. As is totally expected, these concepts are heavy on the green, light on the possibility that they will eventually make it to production.

Still, let's humor Daihatsu and imagine that we may be able to one day buy these vehicles. What would that be like? Well, in the case of the door-less and window-less tandem two-seat Pico, it's a compact, clean little half car. The Pico is supposed to represent, "a new category of vehicle positioned between light automobiles and motorized bicycles," Daihatsu says. Target audience? "The aging population, regional locations and delivery businesses."

The D-X (pronounced "d cross") is a sporty little two-seater powered by a conventional engine, but a frugal direct-injection two-cylinder one. More interesting is the FC ShoCase, which is powered by "liquid fuel cells that contain no precious metals" that would be cheaper to produce than traditional fuel cells that rely on platinum and other expensive materials. If the van were ever to be manufactured, that is. Which it won't. The FC ShoCase is still cool, though, even if it doesn't have any seats as far as we can tell.

Continue reading Daihatsu bringing electric, fuel cell and efficient gas car to Tokyo Motor Show

Daihatsu bringing electric, fuel cell and efficient gas car to Tokyo Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class EV in the cards?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Government/Legal, Mercedes-Benz, Electric, Luxury

Increasingly stricter environmental dictates are making the rich man's camel pass though the eyes of smaller and smaller needles to get to regulatory heaven. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is going to have to shrink somewhere in order to make it into the future, and it seems the company plan for that is to make an electric version, possibly even with lithium-sulfur batteries powering plug-in fuel-cell technology from the F-125! concept showed off at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The hitch in this case is that if we ever see such a car, Daimler's R&D chief believes 2020 or 2025 would be the window for its appearance. The technologies aren't concept-only, or as out-there as using thorium for power, but scaling up to passenger car sizes and standards might be a decade or more out. The return: an S-Class with an emissions-free range of 621-miles.

That might sound like overkill, but as of now only one S-Class undercuts the European average for vehicular CO2 emissions. With the noose tightening in 2015 and even tighter strictures in 2020 and 2025, Mercedes (and plenty of other automakers) will need to position itself for 2025 and beyond.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class EV in the cards? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes F-125! previews a plug-in hydrogen future [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Electric

Mercedes-Benz has been tooting its horns all year about having been in business for 125 years, and to its eternal credit, it's done so at the top. For the Daimler boys, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is being used to showcase what the next 125 years in business (knock on burl walnut) might bring, and it starts in part with the hydrogen-powered F-125! Concept seen here.

With a brief to build a large, luxurious four-seater with zero emissions, the F-125! conceptually employs lithium-sulphur batteries, a body comprised of several metals and composites, passenger controls via "touch, speech and hand gestures," semi-autonomous driving, three-dimensional and projector-beam displays and a range of 1,000 kilometers.

So no, we aren't likely to see the massive gullwing fuel cell-powered plug-in hybrid soon, but it's a novel way forward for a company that built its 125-year name on solid, swift conveyances that have tended to be a bit conservative, if timeless. Find out what this vision of the future looks like by watching a video of the F-125! concept's unveiling after the jump, where you'll also find an official press release.

Continue reading Mercedes F-125! previews a plug-in hydrogen future [w/video]

Mercedes F-125! previews a plug-in hydrogen future [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive successfully completed

Zach Bowman — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has just wrapped up its world tour with the company's F-Cell fuel-cell vehicle. The trio of hydrogen-powered futuristic hatches wandered the entire circumference of the globe and racked up around 18,641 miles each in the process. The whole shebang wrapped up in front of the Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart - the exact location where the vehicles began their journey back in January.

The German automaker hopes that the drive will prove that fuel-cell vehicles are a viable alternative to traditional EVs and internal combustion vehicles and that lawmakers and businesses will respond by ramping up the infrastructure necessary to easily operate a fuel-cell auto.

The trip took 70 days and in many instances, the B-Class F-Cell vehicles had to rely on a mobile filling station for their hydrogen needs. Mercedes-Benz says that when fueling stations were available, it took as little as a few minutes to top off the onboard tanks. Hit the jump to check out the full press release, and if you're looking for some insight into what it's like to live with the fuel-cell car, check out our piece on the F-Cell.

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Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive successfully completed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We catch up with the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive in the States

Michael Harley — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World drive recently rolled into Hollywood, California, a full 5,651 miles from where we last parted ways with the round-the-world hydrogen-promoting caravan. After we left the driver's seat in Paris, the group finished up their Western Europe route in Portugal. The three hydrogen-powered vehicles (and their support contingent) were then airlifted from Lisbon to Miami aboard a 747 cargo jet. Wheels firmly on U.S. soil, the convoy crossed the country with stops in New Orleans, San Antonio and Phoenix before arriving in Southern California. After a brief stay, they will head north to Vancouver before a second overseas flight to Sydney to start another cross-continent jaunt.

While checking out the car, still riding on snow tires even though temps were in the mid-70s, we were fortunate enough to meet Vance Van Petten, the Executive Director of the Producers Guild of America. He happens to be the owner of the first first F-Cell to be delivered to a customer in the United States (technically, the vehicle is acquired on a a special F-Cell lease program).

Van Petten was kind enough to give us some insight as to what it has been like living with a hydrogen vehicle for the past several months. Long story short, the F-Cell's three high-pressure hydrogen gas cylinders (holding about 8.2 pounds of fuel) are good for about 150 "real world" miles between fill-ups in the Los Angeles basin, says Van Petten. While that operation circle isn't bad (especially compared to the pure-EV offerings), consumers will likely demand at least 250 miles between fuel stops if the technology is to replace combustion engines. Van Petten says his F-Cell (thankfully painted silver, not fluorescent green like the World Drive models) has been fun to drive and perfectly reliable. It also gets more than its share of attention - he spends a lot of time explaining the difference between his F-Cell's fuel cell technology and hydrogen vehicles that consume liquid hydrogen via combustion (like the BMW Hydrogen 7).

Check our our high-res image gallery below... after all, with so few of these cars roaming the roads of the world, you're not likely to see one live and in the flesh on a roadway near you.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive in the States

We catch up with the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler: Fuel cell vehicles to cost no more than diesel hybrids by 2015

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has declared on numerous occasions that it will launch a sedan-type fuel cell vehicle in 2015 at a price of $50,000 or less. Hitting that price point may prove difficult, but Daimler agrees that its doable. Herbert Kohler, head of e-drive and future mobility at Daimler, recently told Automotive News that the cost of fuel cell vehicles will decline at a rapid rate in the coming years. Kohler stated:

By 2015, we think a fuel cell car will not cost more than a four-cylinder diesel hybrid that meets the Euro 6 emissions standard. By 2013-2014, we want to bring a four-digit-number of fuel cell vehicles to market.

Kohler added that he expects fuel cell vehicles to be less expensive than comparable battery-powered cars within the next five years. Currently, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell is available for lease in the U.S. at a price of $849 a month (plus tax). However, Kohler points out that the F-Cell employs expensive technology that will be replaced with less pricey hardware when the second-generation model launches in 2013-2014.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is toying with the notion of developing fuel cell versions of the A-, C- and E-Class models within the next five years. If the company can sucessfully incorporate its fuel cell technology into multiple platforms and reach mass production levels, costs could plunge by mid-decade.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Daimler: Fuel cell vehicles to cost no more than diesel hybrids by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota and Daimler planning "extensive cooperation" on fuel cell development

Eric Loveday — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Toyota Highlander FCHV-adv and Mercedes-Benz F-Cell

Daimler began developing fuel-cell vehicles way back in 1994. To date, the company has spent $1.23 billion on the propulsion technology. Toyota entered into the hydrogen realm even earlier by kicking off development back in 1992. With decades of combined experience, both companies have become front runners in fuel-cell technology. Toyota and Honda became the first automakers to put commercial hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles on the roads back in 2002.

As you are likely aware, Toyota has teamed up with Tesla for development of electric vehicles at NUMMI. Now, a new report suggests that the company may join forces with Daimler (which also holds stake in Tesla) to develop affordable hydrogen-powered vehicles.

According to the Financial Times Deutschland (as reported in Reuters), Toyota and Daimler plan "extensive cooperation in the field of fuel cells for electric cars." The Financial Times also suggests that the collaborative work could take the form of a joint venture. The newspaper contacted both companies for official confirmation, but Toyota denied knowledge of any such deal and Daimler was not available for comment.

Last year, some of the major players in fuel cell technology agreed to work together to promote the adoption of the hydrogen-powered vehicle. Within that group, we saw names like Daimler, Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai. With so many companies pledging to combine their might on fuel-cell vehicle development, we assumed that some sort of joint venture would emerge. Tim Urquhart, an analyst at IHS Global Insight suggests that a Toyota-Daimler joint venture could benefit both companies. As Urquhart said:

The high development costs associated with trying to bring fuel-cell powertrain technology to production means that it is a highly logical step for Daimler and Toyota to try and share the costs and their extensive knowledge in fuel-cell technology.

At this point, it may just be wishful thinking, but we'd love to see a joint venture between the two companies. It would surely help out the hydrogen vehicle programs of each respective company and a joint venture might even bring more jobs back to NUMMI.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Toyota and Daimler planning "extensive cooperation" on fuel cell development originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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