By Christopher Tan

GERMAN automaker Daimler Ag is preparing to launch its next generation of fuel cell cars, four years after it introduced to the world the first electric cars to generate its own power from hydrogen.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz B-class compact, the new cars are bigger, more powerful and have a longer range than the 60 A-class fuel cell cars it has been testing around the world since 2004.

The fleet will be launched in 2010; and Singapore will be among selected cities the cars will be tested in.

The Republic is to get 15 units of the zero emission cars, a Daimler spokesman said. Like the previous six fuel cell A-class cars here, they will be handed over to companies, institutions and individuals to drive and evaluate.

Motorists in Singapore would not have to wait till 2015 to buy a car that will help them cut their fuel bills, though. There are currently a growing range of CNG vehicles, and at least four petrol-electric hybrids on the market.

Later this year, Toyota will introduce a new hybrid, the Lexus GS450h, followed by the hybrid Camry next year. The latter is expected to be popular because of its spaciousness and price competitiveness.

Daimler will also launch a hybrid Mercedes S-class next year, while Honda is also expected to offer another hybrid in 2010 to join its Civic hybrid in Singapore.

While hybrids and CNG cars are cleaner and more frugal than their petrol counterparts, fuel cell cars are seen as the only alternative that is independent of fossil fuels.