Here are three electrifying reasons to check out the 2009 Detroit auto show in January. Mercedes-Benz will debut a hi-tech trio of small cars that it is calling "BlueZero," which sounds more like a soft drink than a line of automobiles. Each has its own surname - E-Cell, F-Cell, and E-Plus Cell, respectively - that hint at their respective method of propulsion.
First up is the BlueZero E-Cell, which is an all-electric vehicle. It packs a compact lithium-ion battery, which reportedly provides a range of approximately 62 miles on a single charge.
The E-Plus Cell is similar, but is actually an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). It features the same compact battery pack as the, but also has the turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the Smart Fortwo. The gas powerplant will charge the batteries when you run out of juice, which extends the range to about 373 miles.
Both cars are characterized by their small dimensions and their ability to carry five passengers as well as 17.6 cubic feet of luggage.
If either of those concepts aren't advanced enough for you, then take a look at the BlueZero F-Cell, which is a fuel cell vehicle. It is reportedly equipped with a 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack, and may be configured in a hybrid system (much like Ford's HySeries concept). With a full tank of hydrogen, the F-Cell will travel as many as 400 emission-free miles producing only water vapor.
All three cars will go zero to 62 mph in under 11 seconds, with a maximum speed limited to 93 mph. The trio also use a sandwich floor architecture that Mercedes introduced more than a decade ago in the A-class. The drivetrain is housed in the underbody, giving the vehicles a low center of gravity, and also encase the motor and batteries in the event of a collision.
The interiors of the BlueZero concepts will be spacious and will promote a completely new design language. The organic materials on the inside will continue the green theme and glass surfaces will make the interior appear airy and open.
The BlueZero concepts will be a design study in new "aluminum beam" colors. The E-Cell will take the stage in Detroit wearing "lime green", the F-Cell in "mint green", and the E-Plus Cell in bright orange.
Source: Auto Motor und Sport