The Mercedes Benz GLC F-Cell using this technology will be debuted in 2017. The fuel cell and battery will collectively offer a range of 600 kilometres as per estimates.

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Mercedes has recently confirmed the development of an all new GLC with hydrogen fuel cell systems for global markets. This SUV will be named the GLC F-Cell and will be debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show prior to being entered for production in 2018 for selected global markets. According to the research and development head at Mercedes, Thomas Weber, the new car’s engineering and development parameters had already been confirmed while the company plans to get 600 kilometers combined from the battery and fuel cell. Hydrogen refill time will be three minutes as per Mercedes’ target with this vehicle.

The GLC F-Cell should get a new fuel cell stack that will be mounted at the expense of the regular combustion engine. The company has already been testing fuel cell prototypes that are based on the B-class. However, this option would not be feasible owing to the high costs of fuel stacks which permit viability in higher segments. Fuel cell technology has evolved greatly in recent years and efficiency has been improved. However, this technology is still quite expensive going by conventional standards and mechanisms according to Weber.

According to sources, BMW is also making its own hydrogen fuel cell car, though this will not be revealed prior to 2020. The new GLC F-Cell will face global competition from the Honda FCV Clarity and Toyota Mirai among other such vehicles.