Publication Date:01-June-2005
02:54 PM US Eastern Timezone 
Source:DaimlerChrysler

- $88 Million Going to Work Immediately
Two more DaimlerChrysler F-Cells in the Department of Energy (DOE) Program -- DaimlerChrysler Works with Federal and State Demonstration Programs to Promote and Further Fuel Cell Development 

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-- Today DaimlerChrysler announced the delivery of two fuel cell vehicles to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District). The government agency will use the DaimlerChrysler F-Cells in daily use. These are some of the first fuel cell vehicles delivered since the official kickoff of the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project. 

"DaimlerChrysler and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are delivering on a challenge for the automotive industry and government agencies to push fuel cell technology forward," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "The Bay Area District is a perfect fit for the Department of Energy Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project." 

The use of the F-Cells will enable DaimlerChrysler and the Air District to gain additional experience with fuel cell vehicles. By operating in California, DaimlerChrysler will receive data on variables that may affect future vehicle design. The two F-Cells bear Air District's commitment toward California's Hydrogen Highway program. Part of a 100-plus-vehicle fuel cell fleet that DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world, these two F- Cells also will contribute to the DOE Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project. 

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 16 seconds. The stack has been developed by the DaimlerChrysler 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 in different conditions. DaimlerChrysler is testing more than 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 Energy is partnered with DaimlerChrysler in the project. BP recently opened the first public hydrogen refueling station in Southfield, Mich., with DTE Energy Company. Another station was opened in a cooperative effort between BP and Praxair at the Los Angeles International Airport. 

DaimlerChrysler has been involved in fuel cell technology for more than 10 years. 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. 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.