Mercedes-Benz GLC Plug-in Fuel-Cell Vehicle On Tap For 2017

Mercedes-Benz is previewing a plug-in hybrid hydrogen fuel-cell GLC that they plan to release in 2017.

Yes, you read that right. Unlike other fuel-cell vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai or Honda Clarity, Mercedes’ GLC fuel-cell vehicle will utilize a 9-kWh battery pack, making it rather unique.

The merging of a li-ion battery with about 30 miles range plus a 300-mile-range fuel cell stack as the main power mirrors, in concept, the Audi A7 H-tron, which relied on an 8.8-kWh battery.

No gas engine is involved, and one reason for the battery power is that Mercedes observes there aren’t enough hydrogen refilling stations. With the GLC, drivers will be able to recharge at public charging stations if a hydrogen refilling station isn’t located close by.

It’s unclear when the GLC-Class-based fuel-cell vehicle will debut, but reports suggest it will be the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes GLC Plug-in Hybrid Spied Testing

Mercedes-Benz has previously produced a B-Class F-Cell in 2009, but the company only leased it to fleets and a select few customers while not offering it for sale to the general public.

As for the new GLC, its battery is at the rear, while the fuel-cell stack – developed with Ford in a joint venture –is under the hood. There are two tanks for the storage of 8.8 pounds of hydrogen. One will run down the center of the vehicle,while another will be placed below the rear seats.

In order to make the fuel-cell stack fit, it is being shrunk by about 30 percent while using 90-percent less platinum, says the automaker.

No price has been announced at this time. Mercedes-Benz has suggested that despite the present infrastructure dilemma, costs will come down, fuel will grow greener with development, and FCVs already have longer range and faster refueling than battery electric vehicles.

This article originally appeared on HybridCars.com