Mercedes B-Class F-Cell

The first hydrogen-powered, zero emission production car could be in Australian dealerships in just over two years if Mercedes-Benz has its way. And don’t think it’ll be a rich-man’s toy or a superficial environmental marketing exercise barely capable of reaching the corner store. Benz says the 2014 B-class F-cell will be capable of 400km real-world driving between fills and could be priced as low as $50,000. It will also be cheaper to refuel and cheaper to own.

The only problem: we’re not ready. Mercedes-Benz confirmed it will have a zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell version of the new-generation B-class hatchback unveiled at the Frankfurt show in high-volume production in 2014 for sale around the world. And it should cost little more than an equivalent diesel-hybrid, according to Mercedes-Benz. But not initially.

“We have done the research and fuel cell technology can be made as affordable as a diesel-hybrid,” Mercedes-Benz’s head of fuel-cell development Christian Mohrdieck told Carsguide before the show.

“Of course it probably will not be this cheap initially, because there won’t be the competition between component suppliers to keep our [production] costs down. But as volumes increase and more suppliers emerge, the price will definitely come down.”

Mohrdieck says hydrogen fuel-cell cars should be more affordable to run and own compared to petrol and diesel powered cars. “They will be cheaper to service because there are fewer moving parts and fewer consumables, like oil for example. And electric motors never wear out.”

As for refuelling costs: “Currently, hydrogen costs $11-$12 per kilogram, which is enough for 100km. Experts says this price can go down to just $4, which is a huge saving over petrol.

We also have to take into account there will [eventually] be taxes on hydrogen. But even with another $4 tax this is still below today’s gasoline price.”

Mercedes-Benz Australia's David McCarthy says it is conceivable that the B-class hydrogen fuel cell model will come to Australia. “We’d love to have it, we want to have it, and it can be produced in right-hand drive. The only problem is [Australia’s] infrastructure.” Infrastructure and fuel-cell cars are a chicken-and-egg proposition.

No car brand will bring a model to Australia before the means are in place to refuel it. And no fuel retailer will spend money putting in pumps for cars that don’t exist. “The government has to show some initiative and support hydrogen,” McCarthy said.

“Then Australians can start to embrace a zero-emission, zero-fossil-fuel future.” California is likely to be one of the first places in the world, possibly even ahead of Germany, to get the hydrogen B-class. “California is definitely a front-runner for this technology,” Mohrdieck confirmed. “They are ready to embrace it.”