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Merc green car out of this world

This might not be the kind of Mercedes-Benz you’re used to seeing on the roads, the alien-like vehicle was an entry to a challenge but could also be an indication of where the auto-maker is heading regarding off-road design.

It’s the result of the Los Angeles Design Challenge to find a “Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025” and it’s called the Ener-G-Force.

GREEN ENER-G

According to Gorden Wagener, director of design at Mercedes-Benz Cars said: “The Ener-G-Force is the vision of an off-roader that, while reflecting tomorrow’s adventures, also invokes the genes of the Mercedes-Benz off-road icon, the G-Class.

It seems the competition inspired the guys at Mercedes-Benz in such a way they decided to produce a “civilian” version. Given the slab-sided, box-like, shape of the original iconic G-Wagon, it’s fair to say that this is a significant departure.

The auto-maker said: “The Ener-G-Force stores recycled water in tanks on the roof and transfers it to the ‘hydro-tech converter’, where natural and renewable resources are converted into hydrogen for operating the fuel cells.

"The storage units for the electricity generated in this process are housed easily accessible in the striking side skirts. The Ener-G-Force emits nothing but water, has an operating range of about 800km and as a result truly is a green car.

"Four wheel-hub motors, whose output for each individual wheel is adapted precisely to the respective terrain by high-performance electronics, provide the pulling power.”

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