The F-cell would contain a fuel cell and most likely use a hydrogen fuel source, maintaining the green aspect of the vehicle.

Cleverly using the sandwich-floor construction to store the electronics and hydrogen tanks, the F-cell is the apogee of this technology.

The batteries are also capable of recharging in stop and go traffic due to the on board engine-generator in the F-Cell.

After a strong start, Mercedes-Benz's efforts faltered, although it is now back, with the B-class F-cell, which it plans to make commercially available by 2014.

In 2007, the A-Class F-Cell were delivered to Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik Energy.

Mercedes-Benz previewed the future of motoring with demos of the F-Cell hydrogen-powered fuel cell car, as Isuzu demonstrated its Elf Hybrid truck.

Demonstration models include the Honda FCX Clarity, Toyota FCHV-adv, and Mercedes-Benz F-Cell.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell was selected by Green Car Journal as one the five finalists to the 2012 Green Car Vision Award.

For those who have followed the vicissitudes of Mercedes-Benz's fuel-cell development, the arrival of the prototype F-cell B-class in Britain is a tribute to the dogged determination of a generation of engineers.

MERCEDES-BENZ F-CELL Since it began hydrogen experiments in 1994, DaimlerChrysler has invested more than $1 billion and built more than 100 fuel-cell vehicles.

Automobiles such as the GM HydroGen4, Honda FCX Clarity, Toyota FCHV-adv and Mercedes-Benz F-Cell are all pre-commercial examples of fuel cell electric vehicles.

The BlueZERO F-CELL will suit communities where plans for hydrogen fuel delivery capability are at an advanced stage, like in the State of California, or in Germany and France.

The other 2010 nominees were the Coda electric sedan, the Ford Focus BEV electric car, the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and the Toyota Prius PHV plug-in hybrid.

Daimler has been involved with fuel cell development for some time, with a number of research and concept vehicles shown and demonstrated, the first being the 2002 Mercedes-Benz F-Cell car and the Mercedes-Benz Citaro Hydrogen bus.

As a potential bellwether of fuel-cell development, the Hyundai probably falls behind the Mercedes-Benz F-cell and Honda FCX Clarity, but the company has doggedly stuck with the program and continues to pour in resources and manpower.

The four 2012 finalists were the Tesla Model S and the BMW i3 electric cars, the Cadillac ELR plug-in hybrid, and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell hydrogen fuel cell electric car.