Fuel-cell prototype good for 97mpg, says Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz says latest technology in the F600 Hygenius, a futuristic four-seater that uses fuel cell propulsion and electric drive, returns an average of 2.8 litres/100km (97mpg).

The research vehicle's theoretical range of 405km per tank of hydrogen represents a 16 per cent improvement over the German carmaker's previous fuel-cell vehicles.

Mercedes research and development boss Thomas Weber says the F600 Hygenius advancements are a big step toward the production potential of fuel cells that will appear on future cars.

At the heart of the caris an advanced fuel cell stack that Mercedes plans to begin producing sometime between 2012 and 2015.

Some 40 per cent more compact and significantly more efficient than Mercedes earlier systems, it is mounted in the F600 Hygenius sloping nose and is fueled by a hydrogen tank fitted within the research vehicle's flat floor structure.

The compressed hydrogen is combined with oxygen to produce electricity, which in turn powers an electric motor capable of putting out a maximum of 85kW (115bhp) and 345Nm of torque.

The system uses a lithium-ion battery that recharges under braking. The F600 Hygenius' headlights and wheel arches also gives some clues to the look of the next C-Class.