Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO

The Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO is a 2010 Mercedes concept alternative fuel vehicle which can be built to use one of three alternative fuels: electric, hybrid electric/internal combustion, and hydrogen. It was first introduced at the January 11–25 2009 Detroit Auto Show. A single vehicle architecture accommodates three models with different electric power-train configurations, each fully developed and ready for testing. The electric drive system gives each model the same acceleration and top speed, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in under 11 seconds, and with top speed electronically limited to 150 km/h (93 mph) for optimal range and energy efficiency. Peak torque is 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) and, as with all EVs, is available from zero rpm.

The BlueZERO Concept serves as a stand-alone vehicle and was a launching pad for future Mercedes-Benz hybrid vehicles. The car had a second generation, and also had a slightly larger sister model which was called the B-class.

The technology is uniform across all three BlueZERO variants. The front has a radiator grille with central star. The front apron is closed as cooling air intakes are not required, improving aerodynamics. The 20-inch wheels were aerodynamically optimized, and low-friction tires reduce rolling resistance. It has been said that Mercedes took a page from the BMW styling handbook with its "bionic look".

The compact rear end of the Concept BlueZERO has curved tail lights with transparent lenses that produce red light tapering towards the sides, for a lightly diffused effect. The front LED headlamps are similar, with a plexiglas edge to produce C-shaped daytime driving lights.

Translucent rather than opaque surfaces display the normally concealed technology. The light-grey tailgate is made from lightweight yet robust polycarbonate that shows the aluminium structure that makes up the rigidifying frame. The transparent tailgate provides a view of the vehicle interior, which has a sandwich-floor platform providing a fully usable luggage compartment and passenger area with no obstruction from technical components.

The BlueZERO concept is based on a sandwich-floor architecture on all variants, with all drive components on the sandwich floor. This makes for a low center of mass, and leaves ample trunk and interior space. All major power-train components are located between the axles.

Design and vehicle dimensions are identical on all variants: 13.8 ft (4.2 m) long, a payload of 1,000 lb (454 kg) and a luggage compartment of over 17.6 cubic feet.

BlueZERO F-Cell is the fuel cell version. The F-cell would contain a fuel cell and most likely use a hydrogen fuel source, allowing the vehicle to attain a 248 mi (399 km) range. This variant is suitable for regions with advanced plans for hydrogen fuel availability, as in California, Germany and France.