Research Council Recognizes 'Enormous' Potential of FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership with USCAR

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 2, 2005 -- Citing the research vision of the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership for its "potentially enormous beneficial impact for the nation," the National Research Council of the National Academies (NRC) today issued a report endorsing the research program.

The FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership includes the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), whose members are DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation; and five major energy companies. The government research program supporting the partnership's goals is part of the administration's $1.7 billion initiative over five years to advance hydrogen transportation technologies.

The NRC report calls the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership "an extremely challenging program whose ultimate vision involves a fundamental transformation of automotive technologies." It confirms that the partnership is on track, addressing critical research issues, and has an appropriate research balance of hydrogen and vehicle technologies. It recognizes the enormity of challenges faced in every research area and encourages continued research to overcome these barriers.

The report highlights the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership's technical and non-technical achievements in many areas, including fuel cells, hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle development. And while the NRC cites the need for breakthrough technologies, it says the partnership already has achieved significant progress in every area of technology being pursued -- advanced internal combustion engine, hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicle development. It also says the partnership's fuel cell vehicle learning demonstration program is "well designed' and very important.

The NRC report reviews the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership's overall program goals and management, and discusses in detail the following research areas:

   *  Hydrogen fuel cell development.
   *  Hydrogen production, distribution and storage
   *  Hydrogen codes and standards
   *  High energy battery and electrical systems
   *  Advanced internal combustion engines and emissions controls
   *  Advanced materials

"This report recognizes the dedicated commitment of DOE, the U.S. automakers and their partners to advancing a global hydrogen agenda amid a host of extraordinary scientific challenges," said USCAR Executive Director Bill Gouse. "The DOE Hydrogen Fuel Cell Demonstration and Validation Program, along with the significant financial investments of all the participants, is evidence of the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership's commitment and leadership.

"We appreciate the National Research Council's thorough review of the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership, and along with our partners, are evaluating and considering all of their recommendations as we go forward," Gouse added.

The vision of the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership is a clean and sustainable transportation and energy future centered on a hydrogen economy. Its partners include the U.S. DOE; USCAR, whose members are DaimlerChrysler, Ford and GM; and BP America, Chevron Corporation, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil Corporation and Shell Hydrogen (U.S.). In addition, a large number of businesses, suppliers, national laboratories and universities participate in the research.

USCAR facilitates cooperative research among DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation, which share the common goal of strengthening the technology base of the U.S. automotive industry.

The National Research Council's full report is available on the National Academies' Web site at http://www.nap.edu/books/0309097304/html/