Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept

via Car Body Design - News on 7/13/09

Scheduled to debut at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, the BlueZero is defined by Mercedes-Benz as a near-series vehicle.

In 2009, the first fuel-cell cars will be produced on a small scale, while the battery-electric drive models will be introduced in 2010.

The three BlueZERO variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems.

This layout ensures a raised sitting position, a high level ofcrash safety for the passengers and excellent all-round visibility.

At the same time the powertrain technology is built into the sandwich floor, between the axles, so that the interior space is retained in full, and the centre of gravity is kept low.

Based on a single vehicle architecture, the modular concept allows three different drive configurations:

• the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone
• the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometres using electric drive
• the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender).

This last version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometres and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometres using electric drive alone.

All three BlueZERO variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical.

Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody.

Technical Features

All three BlueZERO models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car. The Mercedes engineers have put together a modular system comprising several flexibly combinable drive components.

These include liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity of up to 35 kWh and the compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (continuous output 70 kW), which develops a peak torque of 320 Nm.

All three variants accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 11 seconds. Their top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency.

With a charging capacity of 15 kW, the powerful lithium-ion batteries in the BlueZERO E-CELL and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can store enough energy for a range of 50 kilometres within 30 minutes.

In terms of purely electrical drive, one or two hours of charging time is needed for a range of 100 and 200 kilometres respectively. The charging times are doubled if the charging capacity is 7 kW, as would be the case in a normal household. Both of these BlueZERO vehicles incorporate an electronic control unit that supports intelligent charging stations and billing systems.

At the rear, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS has the same 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the smart fortwo as an additional range extender.

This compact three-cylinder powerplant has an output of 50 kW at a constant 3500 rpm. If required, it can recharge the 17.5-kWh lithium-ion battery by means of a similarly rated alternator.

A range of up to 600 kilometres is possible on a single tank. The purely electrical, locally emission-free range is up to 100 kilometres. The BlueZERO F-CELL with fuel-cell drive achieves a range of well over 400 kilometres with zero emissions (as per NEDC).