眾所周知，元素周期表排行第一的化學元素氫(H), 是宇宙中含量最為豐富的元素。它的生物學意義是無可爭議的，但它對替代性驅動技術的重要性，目前顯然是被低估了。
我要清楚地說明的是，奔馳GLC燃料電池車，不僅符合汽車最高的安全標準，且性能表現讓人驚掉下巴。我的二位同事，Sebastian Mock 和Christian Göke，親自試駕了GLC氫能燃料電池汽車，讓我們一起看看這款車在現實中表現如何吧。下面的文章中，將能看到這二位試駕者有關GLC燃料電池車的試駕報告。
而我想要先說的是，插電式混合動力汽車本身：
回到1994年，奔馳發布了NECAR1（全新的電動汽車）-這是世界上第一款燃料電池汽車。這輛車是一款廂式貨車，車上全是技術。NECAR2隨后進行了小型的系列生產，一直到B級燃料電池汽車(燃料消耗：每百公里用氫0.97公斤，無CO2排放)開始環游世界。
NECAR1行駛里程達130公里
NECAR1面世23年后，奔馳推出了他們的預生產車GLC，我對這款SUV的第一印象就是，設計非常棒。這款車顯然跟以前的廂式貨車有很大不同，它看起來更像一輛運動型的SUV。
是說這款車很普通嗎？那可不！2H2 + O2 = 2H20 = 0，真正的零排放！
2017法國克福車展-GLC試生產的GLC燃料電池車全球首發
GLC 燃料電池汽車介紹
這是一款全電動的插電式混合電動汽車，也就是說，它是輛燃料電池進行驅動的電動汽車，并可外接充電電池進行補充電能。 在汽車發動機里，氫氣和氧氣通過燃料電池電池發生化學反應，產生電能，驅動汽車?；瘜W反應過程的唯一副產品是水汽和熱。
在用氫的模式下，這款燃料電池車行駛里程可達400公里。鋰電池是電機的另外一種補充能源，它將汽車的續航里程增程了49公里。和驅動系統一樣，它的電池位于SUV車身的后面。
在我同事SebastianMock和Christian Göke的試駕報告中，這款車可長時間的駕駛讓人印象深刻。所以，這款混合動力的汽車的優勢之一是它的行駛里程比較長，而且這種長距離的駕駛完全沒有任何廢氣的排放。
GLC 燃料電池概念車
如果要把GLC單純的跟一款純電動汽車相比的話，你會發現，GLC不僅行駛里程長，而且“加氫”用時短。約用3分鐘，就能把被碳纖維包裹的氫罐裝4.4公斤氫，壓力為70MPa。
現在德國投入使用的加氫站有45座。這數字讓人高興不起來。但放眼全世界來看，德國在全世界排名第2了，排在第一的是日本，它投入使用的加氫站已達91座。
德國的加氫站網絡的情況正變得越來越好，因為德國計劃到2019年建成100座加氫站，到2023年建成400座?，F在德國1公斤的氫要9.5歐元。假設每跑百公里用一公斤的氫，那么這種成本跟傳統的燃油車已經變得差不多了。
但是，開著這種混合動力的汽車感受如何？為了規劃行駛路線，你要做什么功課，才能不至于在沒有任何加氫站的地方不會有麻煩？想了解更多，參考我二位同事的報告吧！
駕乘一：開著燃料電池汽車在德國行駛1800公里
作者：體驗人，Sebastian Mock-2018年6月30號以前，一位儲氫罐系統和氫能技術領域的國際標準開發工程師，7月1號以后，成為電池安全團隊的一員。
周末來臨，更讓人激動的是，GLC 汽車也就停在我家門前。
因為GLC目前仍在功能測試的驗證階段，所以我才有了這個特別的機會進行一次私人試駕。我很快就決定了自己的目的地-我要從Swabia開車去下Lower Saxony，去探望家人。所以我準備好開車去了。
盡管德國的加氫站數量在不斷的增長，但如此長的行駛里程，還是要提前規劃好。要做到也很容易，非常感謝智能手機的APP?，F在我已經查好了我要經過的加氫站，并準備出發了！
加氫站路線和手機APP里的加氫站
當汽車開始啟動，一陣靜音后，有點兒輕微敲擊雜音。這種聲音是由閥門的活動引起的。安靜的驅動系統讓我變得興奮起來，我駛向了高速公路。
在經停的第一座加氫站，加氫的速度非常快，就仿佛在給一輛汽油車或是柴油車在加油。不僅如此，我還能迅速的再次開車離開。在行駛的過程中，比較特別的是在Kamen, North Rhine-Westphalia北萊茵-威斯特法利亞加氫的經歷。
這座加氫站，就緊挨著特斯拉的超級充電樁。在特斯拉的駕駛員們還在等候充電并露出他們驚訝表情時，我已經迅速的加滿氫氣又再次上路了。1：0，燃料電池汽車勝一籌。
整個駕駛充滿樂趣。汽車系統的輸出功率是147千瓦，可滿足每一個需求。盡管我沒有一次行駛達437公里（GLC官方給出的最遠行駛里程），我所需要做的就是，從斯圖加特到明斯特的過程中，我只需要加一次氫就可以了。該輛車完全滿足了日常的使用。
在北萊茵-威斯特法利亞的加氫站
當我到了下薩克森州后，這輛車圍觀的人越發多了。我特別喜歡這樣回答他們說：“通常我不怎么樣關注汽車的，但我非常喜歡這輛車！”
在下薩克森州的南部，加氫站還是非常稀少的，GLC的混合動力系統，剛好能充分展示出了其優勢所在。13.8千瓦時的輸出功率，我可以在不使用氫能燃料電池系統的情況，滿足日常出行需要。
結論就是，盡管GLC是一款非常棒的汽車，我反而更喜歡它的燃料電池系統。很多人都把電動汽車和長時間的充電聯系在一起，但GLC的出現證明了，事實并不是如此。
我希望這次經歷，可以幫助展示此項技術的應用潛力，以后能見到越來越多的這樣的汽車。為此，我想對在此領域發展取得巨大成就的同事們表示祝賀：GLC駕駛體驗舒適，而且非常合適長距離的行駛。
駕乘二：跨越國界：燃料電池汽車的Hansa綠色旅程2018
作者：體驗人，Christian Göke-外部照明供應商質量工程師，他也是不萊梅發電廠的E-Mobility的項目經理。
又到了Hansa綠色旅程時間了。這個國際性的汽車拉力賽已經舉辦了9屆了。這個拉力賽的特色就是，可以代表可持續發展的最新技術的項目。
今年的參賽者，有汽車愛好者，企業家，政治人士，他們所駕駛的車輛都安裝了像是沼氣或是氫氣的可發電的設施，一起前往德國、丹麥、荷蘭。這些系統包括了電池、電動輪渡、及在使用過程中獲取燃料的氣電轉換的裝置。
今年，Albrecht von Haebler和我駕駛著在不萊梅生產的GLC參賽了。奔馳在不萊梅的工廠已經是第六次參加這個拉力賽了。這次參賽給我們提供了一個展示最新汽車的好機會。
在阿姆斯特丹啟程
我永遠不會忘記2014年，在Hansa綠色旅程過程中第一次駕駛氫能燃料電池汽車的經歷。那個時候，我們駕駛著B級的燃料電池汽車，從德國漢堡開到了荷蘭哥本哈根。
從阿姆斯特丹出發
然而，這次我發現，GLC燃料電池車的駕駛體驗比B級的更高級！感覺就像在水面上沖浪。
在阿姆斯特丹啟程的時候，這款車較大的優勢就顯現出來了。GLC的混合動力系統，可充電的系統，可讓我們在每一個經停的站進行充電。在荷蘭的話，跟加氫站相比的話，充電樁更為常見。這也讓我們一直在開啟著電動模式，盡可能的節省了氫氣，充滿電一次可行駛50公里。
對傳統的化石燃料的汽車來說，行駛里程顯得并不是那么的重要，但對純電動汽車的司機們來說，這是需要考慮的首要因素了。對GLC這款車來說也是如此，特別是在拉力賽模式時，Albrecht就仔細的記錄了汽車的燃料和電力的消耗情況。
Albrecht 和我在加氫站
我希望能盡快見到這種技術已經成熟的車輛，可行駛在城市的大街小巷中。原因之一，在旅程中，我們見到了非常多的電轉氣項目。這些汽車產生氫氣，是GLC 理想的燃料。
當2名荷蘭的政客詢問我，是否可以把GLC燃料電池車作為他們的官方用車時，我希望見到越來越多這樣的車的意愿也就越強烈了。但不幸的是，我沒辦法邀請他們來我們客戶中心簽訂合同，因為從今年秋季開始，這些車輛將首先會租給我們選定的客戶。
我相信，全新的GLC燃料電池車的反響肯定會非常好。我也希望，這項技術能利用到其它的車輛中。我完全的被這項技術征服了。
正如所知，大部分的氫氣還是通過天然氣制氫獲得的。這會使得整個碳排放鏈條的CO2排放量減少25%以上。最為重要的是，氫可以是完完全全的綠色的-比如說是通過可再生能源制氫，這是一個值得我們追求的目標！
（來源：作者：Felix Coutandin，德國奔馳汽車公司產品和技術溝通實習生。）
翻譯：氫裝上陣
英文原文：
The chemical symbol H. Most people know it; the chemical element in the upper left-hand corner of the periodic table — hydrogen. It’s the most common chemical element in the universe. Its biological significance is undisputed; its importance for alternative drive technology is underestimated. But fuel cell technology has the potential to become a major solution.
Let me make it clear right away that the GLC F-Cell meets the highest safety standards and is nonetheless a real jaw-dropper. Two of my colleagues, Sebastian Mock and Christian Göke, tested the vehicle for you to find out how it performs in real life. You’ll find the two test drivers’ reports further down in this article. However, I’d first like to tell you more about our plug-in hybrid itself:
Back in 1994, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the NECAR 1 (New Electric Car) — the world’s first fuel cell vehicle. The vehicle was a van that had its entire cargo area filled with technology. The NECAR 1 was followed by further small production series, all the way to the B-Class F-Cell (fuel consumption: 0.97 kg H?/100 km; combined CO? emissions: 0 g/km), which traveled around the world in 2011.
NECAR1 with 130 km cruising range
Now, 23 years after the NECAR 1, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the GLC F-Cell preproduction vehicle. My first impression of the SUV is that it has a great design — it’s a GLC after all. The new vehicle clearly doesn’t have many similarities with the box-shaped delivery van of yesteryear. Moreover, there’s no trace left of the drive technology in the cargo area. On the contrary, It looks like a sporty SUV.
Is it normal? Not at all! Blue highlights on the radiator grille, the sill trim, and the rear bumper indicate that this vehicle is truly something special. These markings show that the SUV stands for an equation that is as striking today as it was in 1994: 2H2 + O2 = 2H20 = 0 emissions.
I can scarcely believe that the only “exhaust product” of the GLC’s fuel cell system is water vapor. This is what makes the vehicle unique.
World premiere of the GLC F-Cell pre-series vehicle at IAA Frankfurt 2017
The GLC F-Cell in brief
If you look underneath the F-Cell’s hood, you will see that the vehicle is an all-electric plug-in hybrid. This means that it is the first electric vehicle to be powered by a fuel cell that is augmented by a battery that can be externally charged.
The fuel cell system in the vehicle’s engine compartment reacts hydrogen with oxygen. This generates electricity, which, in turn, powers the electric motor. It’s a kind of on-board power plant. Are there any exhaust gases? Nope! The only byproducts of the reaction are water and heat. I think this technology is really fascinating!
The F-Cell can travel more than 400 km in H2 mode. The lithium-ion battery, which is used as an additional source of energy for the electric motor, extends the vehicle’s range by 49 km. Like the drive system, the battery is located in the rear of the SUV.
These statistics make it clear that the F-Cell can be driven much farther than just to a nearby bakery. The vehicle can also travel long stretches, as my colleagues Sebastian Mock and Christian Göke impressively demonstrate in their reports. One of the hybrid’s advantages is thus without a doubt its long range — moreover, it drives this distance completely emission-free.
Vehicle concept GLC F-Cell
If you would like to compare the GLC against a purely battery-powered vehicle, you’ll not only notice the range, but also the much shorter “refueling time.” It takes only about three minutes to fill the F-Cell’s two carbon-fiber-covered fuel tanks with 4.4 kg of hydrogen at 700 bar.
There are currently 45 H2 filling stations operating in Germany. To be honest, this figure is unsatisfactory. But it still puts Germany into second place worldwide, surpassed only by Japan, which has 91 H2 filing stations.
However, the situation is about to get better, because Germany’s network is scheduled to grow to 100 H2 filling stations in 2019 and 400 in 2023. One kilogram of hydrogen currently costs €9.50. If you assume that the vehicle consumes one kilogram of H2 per 100 km, the costs will be similar to those of a conventional combustion engine.
But how is it like to drive a plug-in hybrid and how much effort is needed to plan routes so that you don’t get stranded on a lonely country road without any fuel? To find out more, read the reports from my two colleagues!
Driving the F-Cell 1,800 km through Germany
Author: Sebastian Mock — until June 30 a development engineer for hydrogen fuel tank systems and international standards in the hydrogen technology sector; since July 1 a member of the product safety team for batteries.
The long anticipated weekend is finally here. Moreover, the GLC F-Cell is here as well — ready to drive off right in front of my house.
Because the preproduction vehicles are currently in the validation phase having their functions tested, I had the special opportunity to take the GLC F-Cell on a private test drive. I quickly decided on a destination: I would leave Swabia and head to Lower Saxony in order to visit my family. So I’m now ready to drive off. Or maybe not.
Despite the growing number of H2 filling stations, such a long trip has to be well planned in advance. This is easily done, however, thanks to smartphone apps. Now that I’ve planned my refueling stops I’m truly ready to go!
Route with fuel stops and app with H2-filling stations
When I start the system, there’s a brief clicking noise followed by silence. The noise was caused by the activation of the valves. The quiet electric drive system makes me even more hyped. I drive onto the highway.
During my first stop at a filling station, I fill up the tank as quickly as if I was refueling a car with a gasoline or diesel engine. Moreover, I can immediately drive off again. A special highlight of the trip was my refueling stop in Kamen, North Rhine-Westphalia. This H2 station is located right next to a Tesla Supercharger. I was refueled and on the road again before the waiting Tesla drivers could even express their surprise. 1-0 for the F-Cell.
Driving pleasure was guaranteed during the entire trip. The system’s output of 147 kW (around 200 hp) satisfies every wish. Although I didn’t quite achieve the official range of 437 km, I only had to make one refueling stop in order to travel from Stuttgart to Münster. The vehicle is therefore fully suitable for everyday use.
Fuel stop in North-Rhine Westphalia
The vehicle’s effect on viewers became apparent after I reached my destination in Lower Saxony. I was especially pleased by responses such as: “I don’t normally care about cars, but I’d like one like that!”
Because hydrogen filling stations are still extremely rare in the southern part of Lower Saxony, the F-Cell’s plug-in hybrid system was able to fully demonstrate its strengths. The output of 13.8 kWh enabled me to cover the distance of a daily trip solely by means of the battery and without any driving restrictions.
I’ve concluded that although the GLC is a great vehicle when it is powered by conventional drive technology, I like it with the fuel cell system even a bit more. Many people associate electric mobility with batteries and long charging times. The F-Cell proves that this is not necessarily the case.
I hope that it will help to demonstrate the technology’s potential and that we will see many more of them in the future! So with that in mind, I would like to congratulate the development colleagues for their achievement. The vehicle is a complete success — it offers great ride comfort and is ideal for long distances.
Crossing national borders: Taking the F-Cell on the Hansa Green Tour 2018
Author: Christian Göke — supplier quality engineer exterior lighting; he’s also the project manager for E-Mobility at the Bremen plant.
It’s time again for the Hansa Green Tour. This international automobile rally is being held for the ninth time. The rally’s stations feature the latest sustainable technology projects.
This year’s participants, who consisted of a mixture of car enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and politicians, drove vehicles equipped with electric or other alternative drives (e.g. biogas, hydrogen) to exciting destinations in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The various systems included battery banks, electric ferries, and power-to-gas units that use a chemical process to obtain fuel gas.
This year, Albrecht von Haebler and I drove the GLC F-Cell, which was produced in Bremen. The Mercedes plant in Bremen has participated in the Tour now for the sixth time. The rally always provides us with a great opportunity to show off our latest vehicles.
Tourstart in Amsterdam
I’ll never forget how I got my first experience with a fuel cell vehicle during the Hansa Green Tour 2014. Back then, we drove a B-Class F-Cell from Hamburg to Copenhagen.
However, I noticed right away that the GLC F-Cell offers a higher-level driving experience than the B-Class F-Cell! I feel like I’m surfing on water with my power kite.
One of the vehicle’s big advantages became apparent right at the start of the tour in Amsterdam. The GLC F-Cell’s plug-in charging system enabled us to recharge the battery at every stop along the route. Compared to hydrogen filling stations, battery charging points are very common in the Netherlands. This allowed us to save hydrogen, drive in e-mode, and always have a fully charged battery that lets one drive for 50 km.
Although range isn’t really that important for vehicles that run on fossil fuels, it is a primary concern for the drivers of all-electric automobiles. Such is also the case with the GLC F-Cell, especially when it was in rally mode during the Tour. That’s why Albrecht carefully recorded the vehicle’s fuel and electricity consumption.
Albrecht and me at the H2-filling station
I soon want to see more of these technologically mature vehicles out on the road and in city streets. One of the reasons for this is that we saw many power-to-gas projects during the Tour. These vehicles produce CO2-neutral hydrogen, which is an ideal climate-neutral fuel for the GLC F-Cell.
My desire to see even more of these vehicles was boosted further when two Dutch politicians asked me whether they could have a GLC F-Cell as an official car. Unfortunately, I was unable to invite them to come to our customer center to sign a contract, because the vehicle will first be leased to selected customers, starting in fall.
I’m convinced that the new GLC F-Cell will meet with an extremely good response. I also hope very much that we will be able to install fuel cell technology into additional vehicle models. This technology has completely won me over.
Good to know: Most hydrogen is still produced from fossil sources such as natural gas. This reduces CO2 emissions in the overall chain by more than 25 percent. It’s crucial, however, that hydrogen be produced completely “green” — i.e. from renewable sources of energy. It’s an objective that’s well worth pursuing!
Felix Coutandin, 25, is currently doing an exciting internship at Product & Technology Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. In October 2018 he will return to the University of Mainz in order to earn a master’s degree in communications management. Until then, he will enjoy the various interesting insights he gains into technological innovations.
