According to the all-seeing eyes and all-knowing minds at Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes is on the verge of introducing three new alternatively powered “BlueZero” concept vehicles – a feat they’ll perform at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 11th-25th; get your tickets while they’re hot). Titled the Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell, the BlueZero E-Plus Cell and the BlueZero F-Cell, the three models make use of a lithium-ion electric drive, a lithium-ion electric drive plus an internal combustion engine and a fuel cell system, respectively.
In the Mercedes BlueZero E-Cell (powered only by a lithium-ion electric drive system, remember), range is expected to be about 75 miles. In the fuel cell powered Mercedes BlueZero F-Cell, range is expected to double, thanks to the electric motor’s ability to act as a generator, thus charging the battery during various stages of operation (much like the S400 BlueHYBRID). And in the BlueZero E-Plus Cell, a rear-mounted three-cylinder turbo petrol engine borrowed from the smart fortwo is rumored to give the part gas, part electric model an operating range of some 372 miles, with another 75 miles on tap operating in purely electric mode.
How this information was derived isn’t clear, but judging by the commonality of Mercedes’ various “leaks,” I’d expect when the North American International Auto Show opens its doors next month the majority of Auto Motor und Sport’s assessments will be spot on.
Time will tell, but in the meantime, keep scrolling to see a number of photos depicting one of the Mercedes BlueZero concept vehicles (click to enlarge), then head over to Auto Motor und Sport where you can check out their full article translated from German for your reading entertainment.
