DaimlerChrysler Brings Clean Air to California

- The first fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) delivered since the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Program kickoff - Three new DaimlerChrysler F-Cell customers: California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Department of General Services (CDGS) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) - DaimlerChrysler works with federal and state demonstration programs to promote further fuel cell development

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 26 -- DaimlerChrysler is helping to clean the air in California by putting fuel cell vehicles to use. Today, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Department of General Services (CDGS) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) became the first F-Cell customers since the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project kickoff in Washington, D.C. As operators of clean and efficient transportation, these government agencies will use the DaimlerChrysler F-Cells in daily use to provide further knowledge on their operational capabilities.

The F-Cell will supply DaimlerChrysler, CARB, CDGS and CEC with operational experience and technical data that will help improve the next generation of FCVs. DaimlerChrysler's efforts are continued proof that the company is committed to zero emissions vehicles and Governor Schwarzenegger's Hydrogen Highway Network.

"Through innovation and technology, DaimlerChrysler continues its mission to move fuel cell vehicles from the laboratory to the open road," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "CARB, CDGS and CEC are among DaimlerChrysler's first customers to help contribute to a cleaner environment and a cleaner California."

The largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world is managed by DaimlerChrysler. The three F-Cells delivered today are only part of a 100-plus fuel cell vehicle fleet that DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world. The three 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 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 the first public 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.

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.