---

Ecostar System Drives Ford P2000 and Mercedes NECAR 4 Fuel Cell Cars

18 March 1999

Ecostar System Drives Ford P2000 and Mercedes NECAR 4 Fuel Cell Cars

    DEARBORN, Mich., March 17 -- Two new cars powered by fuel
cells -- the Ford P2000 and the Mercedes NECAR 4 -- are driven with technology
developed and produced by Ecostar Electric Drive Systems.
    The Ecostar electric drive is being used by both Ford Motor Company
and DaimlerChrysler in their latest hydrogen fuel cell-
powered demonstration cars.  Ecostar is responsible for the motor/transaxle
and electric power converter in the vehicles.  The electric power converter,
known as the Traction Inverter Module, provides the power electronics to
control the drive system of the fuel cell cars.  It is based on technology
developed for use in Ford's battery electric vehicle programs.
    Ecostar is one of the companies in the Fuel Cell Alliance formed between
Ford, Ballard Power Systems and DaimlerChrysler.  Ford owns 62 percent, while
DaimlerChrysler and Ballard own 17 and 21 percent respectively.  The goal of
the alliance is to be the leading producer of fuel cell-powered drive systems
and components for cars, trucks and buses.  The alliance aims to begin
commercialization of fuel cell vehicles by 2004.
    "We have the strongest partnership in the world in terms of reaching
commercially viable production of this emerging technology," said Ross
Witschonke, president of Ecostar.  "The three companies bring leadership in
terms of all the key ingredients -- fuel cell stacks, systems components and
electric drive systems."
    The P2000 Fuel Cell car is a direct hydrogen vehicle first introduced by
Ford in January for the 1999 North American International Auto Show.  The
P2000 fuel cell vehicle is a true zero-emissions mid-sized car that can
comfortably carry five people.
    P2000 is an advanced lightweight car that develops 90 horsepower and is
designed to achieve the performance of today's Ford Taurus, which goes from
0 to 60 in 12 seconds.  It is a major step forward by Ford to take the high
efficiency and zero emissions of fuel cells and package that in a family
vehicle with uncompromised levels of performance, safety and comfort.  P2000
uses fuel cell technology developed by the Ford, Ballard and DaimlerChrysler
alliance.
    The NECAR 4 is DaimlerChrysler's first vehicle to also use the technology
developed by the alliance.  It is the world's only ZEV covering a range of 280
miles on one fill of the liquid hydrogen tank.  All components of the 70 kW
system have now been packaged under the floor, allowing a normal passenger
compartment and adequate luggage space.
    Ecostar will continue to be a primary development center for Ford's power
electronics and electric drives.  Ford already has been recognized as a world
leader in the development of electric drive systems, which were first
developed for Ford's electric Ecostar minivan in the 1980s, then further
improved for the Ford Ranger electric pickup truck.
    In addition, Ecostar Electric Drive Systems is developing power sources
for non-automotive uses.  Last fall, Ecostar delivered its first electric
power inverters to Visteon Automotive Systems for use in Allied Signal's
TurboGenerator(TM) Power System, a stationary power source that can provide
electrical power for various commercial uses.