Mercedes-Benz to Unveil Another Hybrid Concept at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its mission of becoming a more environmentally responsible automaker by showing the Concept BlueZERO at the North American International Auto Show in January.

The Concept BlueZERO is a modular architecture based on the A and B-class sandwich platform. This modular structure allows for three different drive configurations. The BlueZERO E-CELL is an electric vehicle that runs under battery power with a range of up to 124 miles.

The second model is the BlueZERO F-CELL, which powers the electric motor via a fuel cell. The F-CELL has a range of well over 248 miles and would join the recently introduced Honda FCX Clarity and Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell should it go into production.

The last drive configuration is an extended range electric vehicle called the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS. The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS has a configuration similar to that of the Chevrolet Volt. It utilizes a 100-kW electric motor (the same motor found in the other two) coupled to the I-3 from the Smart ForTwo. Mercedes-Benz claims this parallel hybrid powertrain will go up to 372 miles, 62 of those miles on pure electric power.