What is it? This concept highlights three different powertrain possibilities within one modular vehicle. The E-Cell is a battery-electric drive vehicle that can drive about 125 miles on electric drive. It uses lithium-ion batteries and can drive up to 31 miles on just 30 minutes of charge time. Extending the charge to 1 hour gives a range of 62 miles, with the full 125 miles available after a two-hour charge. Charge times about three to four hours on normal household electric systems.
The F-Cell is a fuel-cell vehicle that has a claimed range of nearly 250 miles with zero emissions on one tank of hydrogen. The battery is used in slow-speed situations such as parking lots, while acceleration uses both the electric motor and fuel cell.
The E-Cell Plus uses a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine from the Smart ForTwo to extend the range. The engine can recharge the battery as needed and gives the vehicle a full range of about 372 miles. The zero-emissions range is about 31 62 miles.
What's new or notable? These are three impressive-sounding powertrain concepts that bring together multiple fuel-saving technologies to potentially improve usability and driving range.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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