World Trip Planner

On 30 January, 2011, a Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL auto embarked upon a 30,000 kilometre worldwide driving trip to demonstrate the power and efficiency of its fuel cell, as well as raising awareness for having hydrogen filling stations located around the world to power fuel cells like those found in the B-Class F-CELL. In addition to raising consciousness for environmentally friendly autos, this world tour could have important implications for your cover, whether or not you drive a Mercedes or plan on purchasing a fuel cell-powered vehicle.

Commencing in Stuttgart, Germany, the B-Class F-CELL will motor its way to Lisbon, Portugal, where it will then embark on a boat to the United States. After crossing the North American continent, this auto will once again board a boat, this time to Australia. After this sojourn in the Southern Hemisphere, another boat ride will take the B-Class F-CELL to Shanghai, China, for a drive through Asia and Europe, ending the circumnavigation at Stuttgart. The total journey will involve four continents, fourteen countries, and is projected to last 125 days.

The B-Class F-CELL has an estimated range of 400 km, about four times the range of its main competitor, the Honda leaf, so refilling will be essential, as well as a frequent occurence, on this trip. A partner of Mercedes-Benz on this venture, Linde AG, will provide hydrogen refuelling stations at its locations as well as its subidiaries’ around the world. However, since this auto has an NEDC equivalent of 3.3 litres of fuel per 100 km, the fuel consumption, as well as the environmental impact, will be minimal. The electric motor found in the B-Class F-CELL is rated at 100 kW/136 hp, with a 290 Nm torque, and can provide this power immediately when the engine is turned on. The fuel cell, as mentioned previously, runs on hydrogen, which is combined with oxygen to form water, as well as electricity that can be used to power the auto’s motor.

If this tour proves successful, and the four month journey is completed on time, there is a chance that Mercedes Car insurance, and possibly mini car insurance as an entire class, could be lowered. A timely completion of this around the world trip would spark interest in Mercedes vehicles as well as mini cars on the part of both investors and consumers, thus lowering the price of these vehicles. Lower cost vehicles with a high degree of popularity tend to have lower insurance as well, especially when they are fuel efficient and have a good reputation for safety. This means that the projected insurance for the B-Class F-CELL model (and other B-Class models) could drop by several hundred pounds, and other Mercedes vehicles and mini cars could see slightly diminished reductions in insurance costs. By keeping tabs on this world tour, you may be able to predict how your insurance could be impacted in the future. You can get a quote online for free from Your Cover Insurance.

Originally published here.

This road trip will certainly entice every motorcyclist all over the United States, no matter where they are coming from. The first town you will encounter from the Alaska Highway is Tok where you can camp or lodge in a comfortable hotel for a good night’s rest before continuing your excursion the following day.

Carry on with your motorcycle road trip through Alaska by making your way to Valdez. Take the Richardson Highway, Alaska’s first highway. The scenic highway is absolutely made for the road trip enthusiast as it is full of twists and turns, a mountain pass, elevation gains, waterfalls and glaciers as you travel along Wrangell-St. Elias and the Chugach Mountains. Valdez houses a number of glaciers that you can check out by cruising, flight seeing, walking or just riding by. You can also take a break from riding by fishing for different species of salmon and halibut or you amaze yourself by watching marine and land wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, and black and brown bears.

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Every motorcyclist taking an Alaskan road trip would most definitely want to visit the Harley Davidson shop in Anchorage. The ride from Valdez to Anchorage is over 551 miles. The experience is well-worth it as you take on the journey under Alaska’s midnight sun. Take the Harley Davidson shop tour and get ready to be awed by the innovative structures and engines of these world-known bikes. You do not need to worry about accommodations as there is a campsite just beside the Harley Davidson building where you can set up your tent free of charge.

Carry on with your Alaska road trip on your motorcycle by driving 240 miles north of Anchorage to Denali National Park. Marvel over the majestic Mount McKinley and other spectacular mountains. The park is immensely huge and you are welcome to join all the activities it offers. Give your bike a break and relax by doing some fly-fishing. If you are looking for something active, you can join a mountain bike tour around the park, or go rafting or kayaking. Or, if you want to try something new, go on a helicopter flight seeing and heli-hiking and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Anchorage and other parts of Alaska. Head north through Fairbanks from Denali National Parks, and then straight to the isolated tundra of the Arctic Circle, where you are to experience almost twenty four hours of daylight. There are lots of campgrounds in the area for those who choose to stay for the night.

The thousands of miles you conquer, the challenging twists and turns, the picturesque sceneries you pass by, and the extraordinary experiences you get to tell your friends and family back home will make this journey to Alaska all worth it. It is certainly one of the most memorable excursions in every road trip planner’s list.

Originally published here.