Automakers are faced with a number of options when it comes to alternative powertrains, though at this stage it’s still anyone’s guess as to what will be prevalent in the future. Right now plug-in hybrids and battery-powered electrics are gaining traction in the market, but some automakers will tell you that hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles may be a better solution.
Toyota this year launched the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle, the Mirai, and Honda will offer a rival in the form of the Clarity Fuel Cell next year. The German automakers are more undecided but are still hedging their bets by developing both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz at one point was prepared to launch a fuel cell vehicle on the market as early as 2014, following positive results from a trial fleet of fuel cell-equipped B-Class MPVs launched in 2009, but it eventually axed those plans because the cars would prove too expensive given their limited expected volumes. Instead, Mercedes sought a partnership with rival firms to develop a new, lower-cost fuel cell stack, and in 2013 a deal was struck with alliance partner Nissan as well as Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F].
Now, Autocar is reporting that Mercedes’ first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle will be based on the GLC small SUV and make a debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show. The vehicle, likely to be called a GLC F-Cell, is said to have a driving range of up to 373 miles and a refueling time of three minutes. Sales will reportedly start sometime in 2018.