The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell represents the far future of the automobile.  The F-Cell combines its onboard hydrogen fuel with the oxygen in air, silently generating an electric current; the process’ only emission is pure water.  The 2 kg of high-pressure hydrogen stored within the F-Cell’s sandwich floor provides a range of about 160 km; the car is derived from the A-Class subcompact. 

DaimlerChyrsler and CATS Motors explained and demonstrated the F-Cell in a technology symposium held just before the Auto Show.  The F-Cell and its operation were displayed at the MIAS main lobby.

For now, the F-Cell represents the first global fleet of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles—it is not just a concept car.  It’s ready to run from day one on Southeast Asia’s hot and humid streets.   Another 55 vehicles are testing in other cities.  The purpose is to gather feedback from real world testing in all sorts of conditions.  They will be pitting their usability against Detroit’s freezing weather and Tokyo’s city traffic.

Developments in technology and infrastructure can occur rapidly.  1994's NECAR 1 was a large van, and the fuel cell and propulsion system weighed 800 kg and took up all of the cargo area.  Barely ten years later, the system fits under the floorboard of the miniscule A-Class.  Commercial production is possible within a 10-15 year period.  

Just as younger generations have never known a world without the Internet or cellphones, in the future, children will not have known cars that are pollutants.  That day may be far in the future, but we caught a glimpse of it at the Manila Auto Show.

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