Mercedes Benz Group AG (MBGAF)

[TPX]

Mobility of the future – battery or hydrogen or both? Part 1

Daimler opts for a combination
Daimler wants to go its own way with its Sprinter series. In addition to the e-Sprinter, the company presented the Sprinter F-Cell concept at last year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. The motor home has a 147 kW fuel cell and the hydrogen tanks installed in the undercarriage offer a range of up to 500 kilometers, depending on the configuration. In addition, there is a small, externally rechargeable battery that can supply energy for up to 30 kilometers. According to Daimler, the H2 Sprinter is a design for an alternative propulsion system suitable for long distances, as it could be used, for example, in motor homes, but also in courier vans and minibuses.

“We will offer an electric propulsion system in our complete commercial range – starting this year with the eVito and the eSprinter later in 2019,” explained Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “With these, This means that we already cover many, but not all, applications with a locally emission-free drivetrain. We are therefore supplementing our eDrive@VANs strategy with the fuel cell drive, which offers great medium-term opportunities in long-distance operation in particular – regardless of whether a fuel cell vehicle is used as a motor home or for other commercial applications.”

The potential of this technology is undisputed, he stressed. ” That applies above all to comparatively large vans with a need for long-range and short refueling times. Our analyses demonstrate that the fuel cell can represent a sensible expansion of the drivetrain range in a number of different applications in both the commercial and private arenas. The Concept Sprinter F-CELL provides insight today into the possibilities for the future”.

https://innovationorigins.com/mobility-of-the-future-battery-or-hydrogen-or-both-part-1/