Mercedes-Benz F125 Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show 2011
Mercedes-Benz is known for its wacky concept designs. This large, hydrogen-powered sedan sports technology that Mercedes hopes to implement on its cars by 2025.
The hydrogen system is a combination of a power-dense lithium-sulfur battery pack and a hydrogen tank that is fully integrated into the car’s body structure. The four independently housed electric motors provide all-wheel-drive capabilities and acceleration figures of zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
Combined, the motors produce 231 horsepower and deliver sure-footed all-wheel-drive traction that Mercedes-Benz is calling e4Matic. Mercedes-Benz says the F125 can travel up to 31 miles on battery power alone, before switching to power from the F-Cell fuel cell. Thanks to the F125’s integrated hydrogen storage tanks, the F125 can travel another 590 miles on hydrogen power before refueling is necessary.
The car’s gullwing doors (an homage to the original 300SL Gullwing) can be opened with the swipe of a hand, and Mercedes’ Advanced Driver Assist even allows semi-autonomous operation to reduce driver stress.
While it’s not yet clear if the F125 Concept will ever see production, Mercedes-Benz has plans to produce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by 2015, and has recently formed a joint venture to build the fuel cell powertrains.
Powered by a hepped-up fuel cell of the type that Mercedes is currently trialling with the B-class F-cell models, the F125 uses four separate drive motors on each wheel as well as components from the SLS AMG E-Cell supercar. There's 16.5lb of low-pressure gaseous hydrogen stored on board, not in conventional 10,000psi high-pressure tanks, but within the car's composite structure at 435psi. This frees up cabin space and allows interesting design opportunities.
Power output is rated at 231bhp continuously, with a peak of 313bhp and that gives a top speed of 137mph, with 0-62mph acceleration in 4.9sec.
