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Mercedes reveals plug-in, fuel-cell concept cars

Blue-Zero E-Cell series unveiled

'Leccy Tech Mercedes will unveil three electric concept cars at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

According to German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes will show the Blue-Zero E-Cell, which is powered solely by a lithium-ion battery pack, as well as two other variations on the 'leccy car theme.

The Blue-Zero E-Cell Plus is a plug-in petrol hybrid like the Chevy Volt. It uses the three-cylinder turbo found in the Smart ForTwo. A second concept, the Blue-Zero F-Cell, has an on-board hydrogen fuel cell.

Mercedes Blue-Zero E-Cell Plus

Mercedes' Blue-Zero E-Cell: Battery, fuel-cell and hybrid variants

The E-Cell can apparently cover 125 miles on a full plug-in charge, while the F-Cell can go twice as far using its 90kW fuel cell.

The E-Cell Plus has a maximum range of 375 miles, with its petrol engine able to power the wheels directly as well as through the battery and generator. On battery power alone, the E-Cell Plus can only manage around 60 miles.

All three should make the 0-60mph sprint in around 11 seconds.

The images are the strongest indication yet of what the next-generation Mercedes A- and B-class cars may look like.

The Detroit Motor Show opens on 11 January 2009.

Mercedes Blue-Zero E-Cell Plus Picture Gallery

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