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Mercedes GLC F-Cell: The world's first plug-in fuel cell car

Using one of its cute-utes as the platform, Mercedes has added some 31 miles of all-battery range to a traditional fuel-cell drivetrain.

Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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Looking to get into hydrogen fuel cell cars, but afraid about the lack of infrastructure? The Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell is here to help, kind of.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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By adding a 9-kWh battery to a traditional fuel cell power train, Mercedes-Benz makes it so owners can choose whether to fill the tank or plug 'er in.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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Of course, you only get a bit of range with the plug-in side of things -- approximately 31 miles or 50 kilometers.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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With a fully charged battery and a full tank of compressed hydrogen gas, the F-Cell's max range is about 500 km, or 310 miles.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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On top of all the complicated stuff, it's still a Mercedes-Benz, so you can expect a comfortable ride and a properly luxurious interior -- for a price.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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As with other hydrogen cars, filling the F-Cell's fuel tank should take about as long as it would with a traditional gas-powered car.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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Charging the battery from the wall, though, will take a bit more time.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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Don't expect this thing to be on sale next week.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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Mercedes has not yet announced pricing or availability for the F-Cell.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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Considering the Toyota Mirai costs nearly $60,000, we'd expect this Mercedes-Benz to be the opposite of a value buy.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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That said, it will be a great middle ground for buyers who are interested in hopping on the H train, but may not live that close to a cluster of filling stations.

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