Mercedes F600 Hygenius – the future of hybrids (retrospection)

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Mercedes F600 Hygenius – the future of hybrids (retrospection)

Mercedes definitely had something in mind when they showed their F600 development project at the Tokyo Motor Show, the capital of the currently leading industrial nation in terms of hybrid technology. The thing is that if we accept the Toyota Prius and Honda IMA as the car of tomorrow, then the Stuttgart prototype outlines the next stage in its development. According to the creators of the experimental machine, the powertrain could reach maturity suitable for series production as early as 2012. A hydrogen tank is built into the double-floor sandwich structure, similar to that of the A-Class, supplying the fuel cell system located under the hood of the F600, the dimensions of which are about 40% smaller than those of existing developments. The electricity released during the controlled chemical reaction in the fuel cells between the hydrogen from the tank and the oxygen from the air, in turn, powers an electric motor integrated into the rear drive axle, providing it with a maximum power of 115 hp. with. and maximum torque of 350 Nm.

With an average consumption of 3.2 l of hydrogen per 100 km, Hygenius can travel 400 km on a single charge. In braking mode, the aforementioned electric motor works as a generator, feeding excess energy to an efficient lithium-ion battery. In general, the F600’s drivetrain operation scheme is similar to that of today’s hybrids – the fuel cell system and the battery provide their energy separately or together depending on the vehicle’s driving mode and the optimal management of energy flows at any given moment. A novelty is the ability to charge the fuel cells that are idle when the vehicle is parked in the garage. If necessary, they can take on the role of a completely environmentally friendly power plant for domestic electricity, as their power of 66 kW can easily fully cover the needs of several households.

The layout of the Hygenius' interior is also quite interesting. Thanks to the high roof, like in vans, and the ability to move the seats longitudinally and transversely, the spaciousness in the cabin borders on that of luxury limousines, despite the fact that the external dimensions of the prototype are comparable to those of representatives of the European compact class.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Mercedes definitely had something in mind when they showed their F600 development project at the Tokyo Motor Show, the capital of the currently leading industrial nation in terms of hybrid technology

With an average consumption of 3