D R I V E N

When carmakers announce, "This is the car of the future," and whip off the silk cover, what we usually see is some sexy new shape, underneath which is last year’s chassis and running gear.  With this introduction, it was the complete opposite.  It was the technology of the future hidden within the shell of the A-Class that’s been a familiar fixture since 1997. 

If the car had no special markings, it wouldn’t have attracted an iota of attention on the open road.  This one, though, had plenty of markings, the most prominent of which were large letters spelling “F-Cell” on the car’s flanks.  F stands for fuel-cell, the car’s means of generating power.

This was no conventional A-Class powered by an internal-combustion engine, or even by an electric battery.  Hidden underneath the cabin floor was all the high technology that will spell the future of getting from A to B in about 10 years' time.

Why did Mercedes choose the A-Class?  Its unique sandwich floor leaves space for the propulsion system.  None of the passenger or boot space has been taken up by the new mechanicals.  The hydrogen tanks, compressors, batteries, electric motor and fuel cell stack are all tucked beneath the floor.  Compact size and relative light weight are also appropriate for the available power. 

To start up the F-Cell, you stick the infrared key in as usual, and then twist clockwise.  One click, then release. Silence, as the instruments come to life: a conventional speedometer in the middle, and a fuel gauge at the right, indicating kg of hydrogen left. A power indicator resides where the rev counter usually is.  After about three seconds, it points reassuringly to near maximum—the F-Cell's equivalent of warming up.

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