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Mercedes-Benz is bringing three "Concept BlueZero" vehicles to the Detroit Auto Show next month and each highlights the automaker's plan for low- or no-emissions motoring in the future.

The first concept is the BlueZero E-Cell, an all-electric compact five-door equipped with lithium ion batteries that can provide a theoretical range of 100 km (62 miles) on a two-hour charge.

The two other concepts include the BlueZero F-Cell, a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, and the BlueZero E-Plus, which utilizes the Smart ForTwo's turbocharged three-cylinder engine to charge a lithium ion battery pack creating an extended range electric vehicle (EREV, ala the Chevrolet Volt), that can travel for 600 km (373 miles).

The design language shown on the E-Cell (above) is good indication of what the next generation of Mercedes A- and B-class vehicles will look like when they arrive in 2011.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via icars.sg]