DaimlerChrysler and Southern California Edison Use a Different Kind of Energy - Fuel Cells
Jun 28 - PRNewswire-FirstCall
Southern California Edison (SCE) is no stranger to electric power and the company will be expanding its knowledge with a DaimlerChrysler F-Cell in daily use. Today, SCE took possession of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered DaimlerChrysler F-Cell.
Through daily use, the F-Cell will supply DaimlerChrysler and SCE with
operational experience and technical data that will help improve the next
generation of fuel cell vehicles. These working relationships with government
agencies and the private sector are continuing proof that DaimlerChrysler is
committed to fuel cell technology and Governor Schwarzenegger's Hydrogen Highway
Network.
"DaimlerChrysler has invested over $1 billion in hydrogen fuel cell
technology," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle
Engineering - Chrysler Group. "We have the largest world wide fuel cell
vehicle fleet on the road gaining valuable experience. This effort highlights
our commitment to the pursuit of zero emission transportation."
The largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world is managed by
DaimlerChrysler. The SCE F-Cell is just one of more than 100 fuel cell vehicles
DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world. The data collected
through vehicle operation will contribute to the DOE Hydrogen Learning
Demonstration Project.
"Southern California Edison is proud to be associated with this leading
fuel cell program," Ed Kjaer, Edison's manager of electric transportation,
said. "We're looking forward to a long and productive working relationship
with DaimlerChrysler."
The F-Cell is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler's leadership in fuel cell
technology. The entire fuel cell system is housed in the floor of the vehicle,
leaving full use of the passenger and cargo spaces. It has a range of
approximately 100 miles and a top speed of 85 mph. The electric motor develops
88 hp (65 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 14 seconds. The stack
is developed by DaimlerChrysler's cooperation partner, Ballard Power Systems.
Through the DOE Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration
and Validation Project, DaimlerChrysler will place more fuel cell vehicles in
the hands of customers who will provide valuable feedback about performance
under different conditions. DaimlerChrysler is testing over 100 fuel cell
vehicles under varying weather, traffic conditions and driving styles in
different locations worldwide. This experience will benefit the development of
the fuel cell automobile and how it will be refueled. BP is the energy partner
of DaimlerChrysler in the project. BP recently opened a hydrogen refueling
station in Southfield, Michigan, with DTE Energy Company. Another station was
opened in a cooperative effort between BP and Praxair at the Los Angeles
International Airport.
Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen with a
catalyst. This clean technology operates to a high level of efficiency and is
true zero emission. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure water
vapor as exhaust. DaimlerChrysler has been involved in this technology for more
than 10 years. Fuel cell vehicles are part of DaimlerChrysler's advanced
propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes exceptionally efficient
gasoline engines, advanced diesels, alternative fuels and hybrid powertrain
systems.
Chrysler Group
CONTACT: Nicholas Cappa, +1-248-512-4266, nc503@daimlerchrysler.com
, or Cole Quinnell, +1-248-512-0315, cq12@daimlerchrysler.com
, both of ChryslerGroup
Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/