Mercedes has started delivering the first examples
of the new GLC F-Cell to national and regional ministries in Germany, as well
as companies such as the German railways, Air Liquide, Linde AG and more. Other businesses and private
customers will also become able to experience the new GLC F-Cell through the
Mercedes-Benz Rent programme, starting from spring of 2019.
The new Mercedes GLC F-Cell features a unique
plug-in hybrid powertrain that can also run on hydrogen. As a result, the new
version of the compact SUV emits no CO2 emissions whatsoever, combining a long
range with short refueling times at a hydrogen fuel station.
There are two carbon fiber-encased tanks in the
floor that can hold 4.4 kg of hydrogen. The tanks are big enough to
give the GLC a hydrogen-based range of 430 km. In Hybrid mode, the
GLC F-Cell can travel up to 498 km. The lithium-ion battery pack has
a capacity of 13.5kWh, providing energy to the 208hp electric motor. Mercedes
claims that a charge from 10 to 100 percent takes around 1.5 hours.
Apart from the aforementioned Hybrid mode, the new
Mercedes GLC F-Cell offers three additional operating modes: F-Cell (where the
fuel cell provides all the energy needed, keeping the battery’s charge
unaffected), Battery (pure electric mode) and Charge (where charging the
battery is prioritized).
The new Mercedes GLC F-Cell will only be available
in selected metropolitan regions in Germany, such as Stuttgart, Düsseldorf,
Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich and Cologne. Both business and private
customers will be able to rent the plug-in fuel-cell GLC in either short or long-term
plans.
