Mercedes Hybrid Goes From Africa to U.K. on One Tank

A standard, British-registered Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid goes from Africa to the U.K. on one tank of fuel.

Averaging 73.6 mpg (3.1 L/100 km), the journey took driver Andrew Frankel, a British journalist, from Tangier, Morocco in Northern Africa to the U.K., visiting two continents, four countries and three time zones in a total time of 27 hours on the road which he shared with a relief driver.

The trip ended at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed having covered 1,223 miles (1,968 km).

The original intention was simply to see if it were possible to get to the U.K. without refueling. But upon arriving at Goodwood the fuel gauge was yet to register empty and the car’s estimated available range was 100 miles (160 km), equating to a total range of 1,323 miles (2,129 km).

During the journey Frankel experienced heavy rain, intense heat, rush-hour traffic jams and dramatic elevation changes.

The car was fitted with a 21-gal. (80-L) fuel tank.

The E300 BlueTec Hybrid has a 204-hp diesel engine and 27-hp electric motor that combine for 0-60 mph (0-61 km/h) acceleration in 7.5-seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 150 mph (242 km/h).