At Mercedes-Benz, we are committed to funding and researching technologies that minimise environmental impact. The ultimate goal, though, is not just to lower emissions, but to achieve emission-free driving.

Fuel cell technology could make this a reality. Both quiet and efficient, fuel cells generate electrical energy from the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike fossil fuels, they create no pollution – the only by-product is water.


The potential environmental benefits are huge. However, fuel cell vehicles are not yet commercially viable. At present, they are extremely costly to produce and there is no refuelling infrastructure. What’s more, hydrogen production itself uses fossil fuels – so a sustainable alternative must be developed.

But such obstacles can be overcome - and Mercedes-Benz is leading the way. We introduced our first fuel cell vehicle, NECAR1, back in 1994 and have invested €1.5 billion in fuel cell development. Our experience and expertise is unrivalled, having already accumulated 180 patents and clocked up over 2.8 million zero emission miles.

We’re currently conducting global testing involving more than 100 fuel cell
vehicles - the largest fleet in the automotive industry. Our B-Class is being trialled in “F-Cell” form and our first production fuel cell car is expected to be market ready between 2012 - 2015.

But while we’re designing automobiles to be as environmentally sound as possible, we make no sacrifices in terms of safety, comfort and superior driving performance. In other words, driving pleasure and energy conservation need not be mutually exclusive.