Electric cars, fuel cell cars tackle the Austrian Alps

The third Silvretta E-Car Rallye in Austria is a stress test for electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell cars and even electric motorbikes. The three-day, 300-mile course is up and down Alpine mountain roads around Montafon, Austria, including grades of more than 15 degrees that test both driver skill and the technology of alternative fuel vehicles.

The 2012 Silvretta E-Car Rallye is July 5-7, in Austria’s Tyrol and Voralberg regions.

Mercedes-Benz has the largest contingent of entries, seven vehicles. There are two Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell electric vehicles, two Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell fuel cell vehicles, and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell electric super-sports car, scheduled for market launch in 2013. The SLS AMG E-Cell is being driven by former Formula One race driver Karl Wendlinger.

Mercedes also is rallying two brand-new Smart fortwo electric drive cars. The new Smart e-bike will join the rally for past of the route.

Some specs on the vehicles --

Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell has a range of more than 150 miles, making it ideal for emission-free driving in the city and on the open road. It is powered with a quiet, electric motor with an output of 70 kW (95 hp).

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell has already proved it is ready for the world market, via by an around-the-world drive in 2011. The fuel-cell powered vehicle runs on hydrogen, with a 100-kW electric motor offering performance similar to a 136-hp, 2.0-litre gas engine model. The B-Class F-Cell has a range of around 300 miles per tank of hydrogen fuel.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell is a performance sports car with the iconic gullwing design. It’s loaded with a high-tech emissions-free powerplant developing a maximum output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 newton metres.

Smart ebike combines the comfort of a motorbike with the ease of handling of a bicycle. These bikes can be operated in EU countries without a driver’s licence or insurance sticker, since the electric motor provides support up to a speed of 25 km/h. The Smart ebike is fitted with a 423-Wh lithium-ion battery.

Read more green car articles by Green Car Examiner Evelyn Kanter on ecoXplorer.

Always observe speed limits and drive safely!