The company claims that with fuel cell the van could deliver long range, low system weight and fast refuelling.
03 Jul 2018 | 2208 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Mercedes-Benz Vans recently unveiled the complete operational benefits of a fuel cell vehicle through their new van called the Concept Sprinter F-Cell.
Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans said, “We will offer every commercial range with an electric drive – starting this year with the eVito and in 2019 with ...
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Mercedes-Benz Vans recently unveiled the complete operational benefits of a fuel cell vehicle through their new van called the Concept Sprinter F-Cell.
Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans said, “We will offer every commercial range with an electric drive – starting this year with the eVito and in 2019 with the eSprinter. With these, we will already cover many, but not all, use cases with a zero-local-emissions powertrain. For this reason, we are enhancing our 'eDrive@Vans' strategy with fuel-cell drive, which offers substantial medium-term opportunities, especially in long-distance operation – regardless of whether a fuel-cell vehicle is used as a motorhome or in other commercial applications.”
Customisable for maximum interior space
The integration of the hydrogen tank in the substructure, the positioning of the fuel cell at the front of the vehicle and the rear-wheel drive is said to create the basis for maximum interior design freedom. With a standalone energy supply for the living quarters or longer range, the technology showcase makes full use of its merits as a travel companion or, in other applications, as a spacious load carrier.
As the structure of the Concept Sprinter F-CELL comes with rear-wheel drive and a comparably low system weight, the motorhome could undertake additional bodies and conversions. For commercial use, this translates into higher payload capacity. The modular system means the fuel cell can establish itself as an alternative to conventional and battery-electric drives for use on shorter routes in as many use cases as possible.