DaimlerChrysler and UCLA Combine Fuel Cell Technology and Education

- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) utilizes two DaimlerChrysler F-Cells for education and aspiring students in fuel cell technology - Eleven DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicles operated by customers in California - No manufacturer has more fuel cell vehicles on the road worldwide than DaimlerChrysler - more than 100

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 14 -- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and DaimlerChrysler have long been committed to fuel cell technology. Now with two F-Cells, UCLA can create awareness and interest in this highly efficient, zero-emission technology within the student body. DaimlerChrysler and UCLA will gain valuable feedback through daily use of these two vehicles. UCLA is one of the first educational institutions to provide students with hands-on experience with fuel cell vehicles.

The cars delivered today bring the total number of DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicles in California to 11. By putting fuel cell vehicles in customer hands, DaimlerChrysler shows a strong commitment to zero-emission transportation. No manufacturer has more fuel cell vehicles on the road worldwide than DaimlerChrysler. Along with over $1 billion invested, this aggressive effort shows the commitment DaimlerChrysler has made to fuel cell technology.

Through daily use, the F-Cells will supply DaimlerChrysler and UCLA with operational experience and technical data that will help improve the next generation of fuel cell vehicles. These working relationships with government agencies, educational institutions and the private sector are continuing proof that DaimlerChrysler is committed to fuel cell technology and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Hydrogen Highway Network.

"Working with UCLA helps ensure the future of fuel cell technology," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "Today's students may be tomorrow's fuel cell engineers."

To help realize this partnership, UCLA has formed the Hydrogen Engineering Research Consortium (HERC) which aims at accelerating the onset of the hydrogen economy, through the development and demonstration of technologies for the production, storage, transportation and use of hydrogen.

The largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world is managed by DaimlerChrysler. The UCLA F-Cells are part of a 100 fuel cell vehicle fleet DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world. The data collected through vehicle operation will contribute to the Department of Energy (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 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.