Hybrid Car Review

Mercedes-Benz F800, Hybrid Concept

Mercedes-Benz will be showing off its F800 concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show, a hydrogen fuel cell plug-in hybrid. According to the press release, the F800 concept can travel 18 miles on an all electric charge, after being plugged in overnight. Once the charge in the lithium-ion battery pack is gone, the fuel cell can power the vehicle for another 375 miles.

The result is no emissions, at least while you're driving (electricity production produces emissions at the plant, not the car).

Fun features in the five-seater include sliding rear doors, bold fenders and a prominent grille that Mercedes-Benz is telling reporters gives the direction they are heading in for future vehicles.  A new camera touchpad records images of the user's hand and displays it in transparent form above the center console.  A “range on map” shows how far the car can travel in electric mode.

The next generation cruise-control will follow the car in front into curves without steering at speeds up to 25 mph.  The Pre-Safe 360 Degree system  will engage the brakes about 600 milliseconds before a rear-end collision to prevent a secondary crash into another car or object.

The fuel cell powered engine is under the hood, while the electric motor is near the rear axle. Two of the hydrogen tanks are located between the passengers.

The plug-in V-6 hybrid can produce up to 409 hp and can go from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.