Mercedes-Benz sees promise in fuel cell vehicles in the short-term
January 13, 2017German automaker believes that fuel cell vehicles will be popular in the short-term
Mercedes-Benz has made short-term plans to launch and support its F-Cell range of fuel cell vehicles, but the automaker’s long-term plans for hydrogen are much more uncertain. The company was among the first to demonstrate the capabilities of hydrogen fuel cells in the transportation space, but has lagged behind its competitors in bringing fuel cell vehicles to the market. Despite its interest in hydrogen fuel cells, Mercedes-Benz has begun to withdraw support from these energy systems, but not entirely.
Lacking infrastructure makes fuel cell vehicles less attractive to consumers and businesses
According to Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz, the German automaker will continue to pursue its interest in fuel cell vehicles, but in a limited capacity. In the long-term, Zetsche believes that fuel cells will not offer the same benefits as other energy systems, particularly batteries. Fuel cells are notoriously expensive and suffer from a lacking fuel infrastructure. This has made them unattractive to consumers and a costly investment for automakers.
Zetsche believes that fuel cell vehicles will see relatively little use
Next year, Mercedes-Benz is set to launch its first generation of fuel cell vehicles. These vehicles are expected to be available for lease and not outright purchase, initially. Zetsche predicts that these vehicles will go directly from the dealership to a driver’s garage, where they will seldom be used again. This is due to lacking infrastructure support. Due to the limited number of fueling stations available, those with fuel cell vehicles are likely to have difficulty accessing the hydrogen they need to operate their vehicles.
Without access to hydrogen, fuel cell vehicles may be unpopular among drivers
Most major automakers are beginning to launch fuel cell vehicles. Both Hyundai and Toyota have done so and Honda will join these companies later this year. Automakers see significant promise in fuel cell vehicles because they produce no harmful emissions but do not sacrifice performance for the sake of environmental friendliness. The challenges that fuel cell vehicles face may limit the availability of these vehicles in the coming years, however.
The infrastructure is coming: California in process, NY, Conn, Mass, RI just starting. Germany, Norway, way ahead of the USA. I guess Mercedes knows this and is trying to push the infrastructure movement.
Den Eindruck die F-Cell wird gedeckelt kann man schon lange haben. Wenn man sich mal auf der Zunge zergehen lässt, was alles in Bewegung geraten könnte mit der Brennstoffzelle dann wird einem ganz schwindelig. Man hat es doch mit dem Wankelmotor erlebt. Er sollte nicht leben…..Ein Schelm wer dabei schlechtes denkt.