Connexion B

Mercedes A-class

Nissan Prairie

1: ZEVs (Zero-emissions vehicles)

Mercedes has been using the A-class as a test-bed for its NECAR (New Electric CAR) fuel cell programme. NECAR3, announced in 1997, dispensed with the need for batteries or a hydrogen tank by generating hydrogen on board from methanol. NECAR4, announced in March 1999, uses liquid hydrogren fuel cells to provide 40% more power than and three times the range of an equivalent battery-powered vehicle, while providing room for five people and their luggage. Previous NECARs were both based on much larger vehicles: NECAR1 was an MB100 van, while NECAR2 was based on the V-class MPV.

Meanwhile, in Spring 1997, Nissan launched a limited lease/sales programme in Japan for its Prairie Joy EV, an electrically-powered version of the standard car.