A zero-emissions motoring future just took one tiny step closer to reality. Mercedes-Benz has released a fleet of electric vehicles based on its A-Class A-class car. The E-Cell uses an electric motor and lithium-ion batteries. The electric motor may have a modest 68 bhp but peak torque of 290Nm is available at any rpm. Acceleration from 0-60km/h is 5.5 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 149 km/h. Expected range is 198 km.
The A-Class makes an ideal vehicle for alternative propulsion cars, as the necessary components can be located within the car’s sandwich double-floor. The batteries don’t eat up any human space, maintaining the car’s seating and luggage capacity. Also, with the batteries located low within the car’s frame, helping handling and ride comfort.
A few years ago, Mercedes released a fleet of fifty F-Cell fuel-cell cars based on the then-current A-Class. Institutional users put the cars through its paces in diverse locations such as Germany, Tokyo, and Singapore. We had the chance to drive the F-Cell and it was a wonder of zero-emissions. The F-Cell set the record as the most expensive vehicle at the 2006 Manila International Auto Show.
The main disadvantage is the hydrogen fuel required to power the car. Singapore had a grand total of one fueling station, a BP outlet. Electric propulsion seems to be the more realistic immediate solution, what with every other carmaker launching pure electric or plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. The next several years will tell if the A-Class E-Cell will become a practical reality.
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