DaimlerChrysler
Mercedes F600 Hygenius Hydrogen Concept Car
The DaimlerChrysler Mercedes F600 Hygenius provides genius when
it comes to modern design and hydrogen car functionality. In regards
to design there is nothing like it currently on the market or
in the concept arena. In regards to hydrogen car functionality,
the F600 Hygenius offers many standard H2 features plus some other
advanced features.
The DaimlerChrysler Mercedes F600 Hygenius comes equipped with
a 240v outlet, which, according to Mercedes can make the Hygenius
a mobile power source able to power two houses or supply juice
to a recreational vehicle with its 66 kW output. Mercedes has
stopped short on discussing the potential for vehicle to grid
applications.
Surplus energy for the Hygenius is stored in a powerful lithium-ion
battery pack and then delivered as needed to the electric motor
making the Hygenius very similar to a hybrid vehicle in this regard.
Under low speeds, for maneuvering and parking the Hygenius will
run on its battery pack alone. Upon acceleration, the Hygenius
will use both its battery and fuel cell in unison for maximum
power output. Regenerative braking helps recapture energy and
restore power to the battery pack. The F600 Hygenius delivers
115 hp, a peak torque of 350 Nm and has a range of 250 miles.
In addition, because this is a Mercedes, the F600 Hygenius offers
standard features such as built in cameras that warn drivers if
other vehicles are in their blind spots, heated and chilled cup
holders and a Pre-Safe system, which protects passengers when
an upcoming accident is detected. When parked, if the built-in
cameras detect an oncoming bicycle or car approaching from behind,
the Hygenius will temporarily disable the doors so that a collision
will be avoided. When driving, the cameras monitor vehicles in
the Hygenius' blind spot and will warn the driver who is about
to change lanes of their presence.
Besides being a technological showpiece, the F600 Hygenius was
designed with the family in mind as well. The ISOFIX child seats
can be locked into place and the backrests swung around in a face-to-face
arrangement and young children can be easily attended to with
this new seat configuration. In addition, the two-piece tailgate
opens with minimal arc space making it easy to load and unload
from the rear. The driver's seat also features a two-piece backrest
cushion that follows the upper body movements and minimizes the
strain on the vertebra, regardless of the seat position.
According to Dr. Thomas Weber, DaimlerChrysler AG Board Member
for Research & Technology and Head of Development at the Mercedes
Car Group, "This represents a major step towards bringing
the fuel cell drive up to full production maturity, a goal that
we aim to achieve some time between 2012 and 2015. By developing
the fuel cell, we are creating a new basis for supplying energy
in tomorrow's vehicles which will make a further lasting improvement
to their environmental compatibility."
In addition, Professor Herbert Kohler, Director of Vehicle Body
and Drive Research at DaimlerChrysler says of the F600
Hygenius, "We have made some crucial advances
to this trailblazing technology. The fuel cell in the F 600 HYGENIUS
is around 40 per cent more compact than previously, runs more
efficiently than ever and is notable for its good cold-start characteristics.
This has been achieved thanks to the inclusion of innovations
such as the redesigned fuel stacks, an electric turbocharger and
a new humidification and dehumidification system."
With the first production H2 fuel cell car being 3 or so years
away, its hard to think how Mercedes will be able to top the genius
of Hygenius. But, 7 years is a long time and if the F600 Hygenius
is any indication the Mercedes engineers may just be able to come
up with a vehicle to make George Jetson a little envious.
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