cover story
» BATTERY AND FUEL CELL
FORM A SYMBIOSIS «
Interview with Prof. Dr. Christian Mohrdieck,
Director Fuel Cell and Battery Drive Development,
Daimler AG and CEO of the Daimler subsidiary
4 A U G U S T 2 0 1 8
NuCellSys
Professor Mohrdieck, the first
Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELLs will
be shipped to selected customers before
the year is out. Unlike several
of its competitors, Daimler showed
stamina and remained committed
to the technology. Why?
‹Mohrdieck›: The fuel cell technology
is an integral part of our drive
strategy. For us, the advantages are
obvious: zero emissions, long ranges
and short refueling times, as well
as a broad range of applications –
from passenger cars and buses to
other large commercial vehicles and,
last but not least, even stationary
applications.
‹F.›: What still stands in the way
of a breakthrough?
‹Mohrdieck›: When it comes to the
automotive fuel cell systems’ performance,
their marketability today
is undisputed. Of course, the filling
station infrastructure is still a factor
of uncertainty for for customers. But
the number of filling stations is on
the rise, and not only in Germany.
With our new generation of vehicles
based on the GLC, we have created
an additional range extension