Merecedes-Benz BlueZERO range

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO concept cars are a range of models each with a different power source.

Mercedes-Benz unveils its Concept BlueZERO range in Detroit

Mercedes-Benz unveiled three new concept cars embodying what the company calls ultra-fuel-efficient motoring, at the North American International Auto Show in January 2010 in Detroit. Collectively called ‘Concept BlueZERO’, each car has a different power source aimed at a range of driving situations. It’s an ethos summed up by the company as ‘electromobility for every requirement’.

The BlueZERO E-Cell is battery-powered with a range of 124 miles on a single charge. The BlueZERO F-Cell uses a hydrogen fuel cell to create electric power. It has a range of 248 miles and generates no emissions except water. The BlueZERO E-Cell PLUS is a hybrid vehicle combining an electric phase with a combustion engine. It provides a range of 62 miles on electric power, augmented to 372 miles with the assistance of the turbo-charged 1 litre engine. All BlueZERO models are electronically limited to 93mph, and can accelerate from 0-60mph in less than 11 seconds.

The BlueZERO models incorporate the sandwich floor concept, introduced over ten years ago in the A-Class and B-Class. In addition to its visibility and safety benefits, the sandwich floor concept also provides the architecture for the BlueZERO vehicles. It was originally designed to accommodate alternative energy sources inside the chassis. The additional underfloor layer provides room for hybrid equipment without sacrificing space in the passenger compartment.