DaimlerChrysler Makes Significant Increase to Fuel Cell Vehicle Fleet in California

Sacramento MunicipalUtility District (SMUD) has significant experience with electric power andwill be expanding that experience to fuel cells with two DaimlerChrysler F-Cell passenger cars through daily use. Since the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning DemonstrationProject kickoff in Washington, D.C., DaimlerChrysler has delivered 15 fuelcell vehicles to customers in California and Michigan. This handover makesthe total 17, with more to announce in the near future. The aggressive effortshows the commitment DaimlerChrysler has made to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Through daily use, the F-Cells will supply DaimlerChrysler and SMUD withoperational experience and technical data that will help improve the nextgeneration of fuel cell vehicles. These working relationships with governmentagencies and the private sector are continuing proof that DaimlerChrysler isdedicated to fuel cell technology and Governor Schwarzenegger's HydrogenHighway Network. In support of the federal Freedom Car Program, SMUD is moving forward withhydrogen fuel cell technology with DaimlerChrysler and BP to conduct hydrogenfuel cell vehicle testing. SMUD will operate the DaimlerChrysler fuel cellvehicles in various activities from public outreach events to high mileagetesting. These efforts support SMUD's research and development policieshelping to create clean transportation alternatives for the community. "DaimlerChrysler has invested over $1 billion in hydrogen fuel celltechnology," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering -Chrysler Group. "We have more than 100 fuel cell vehicles on the road gainingvaluable experience. This effort signifies our sincere commitment to hydrogenand its future as an energy source." The largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world is managed byDaimlerChrysler. The SMUD F-Cells are part of the 100+ fuel cell vehiclefleet DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world. The datacollected through vehicle operation will contribute to the DOE HydrogenLearning Demonstration Project. The F-Cell is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler's leadership in fuel celltechnology. The entire fuel cell system is housed in the floor of thevehicle, leaving full use of the passenger and cargo spaces. It has a rangeof approximately 100 miles and a top speed of 85 mph. The electric motordevelops 88 hp (65 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 14 seconds.The stack is developed by DaimlerChrysler's cooperation partner, Ballard PowerSystems. Through the DOE Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstrationand Validation Project, DaimlerChrysler will place more fuel cell vehicles inthe hands of customers who will provide valuable feedback about performanceunder different conditions. DaimlerChrysler is testing over 100 fuel cellvehicles under varying weather, traffic conditions and driving styles indifferent locations worldwide. This experience will benefit the developmentof the fuel cell automobile and how it will be refueled. BP is the energypartner of DaimlerChrysler in the project. BP recently opened a hydrogenrefueling station in Southfield, Michigan, with DTE Energy Company. Anotherstation was opened in a cooperative effort between BP and Praxair at the LosAngeles International Airport. Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen with acatalyst. This clean technology operates to a high level of efficiency and istrue zero emission. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure watervapor as exhaust. DaimlerChrysler has been involved in this technology formore than 10 years. Fuel cell vehicles are part of DaimlerChrysler's advancedpropulsion technology umbrella, which also includes exceptionally efficientgasoline engines, advanced diesels, alternative fuels and advanced hybridpowertrain systems.