DOE, DaimlerChrysler, Fuel Cell Development

DaimlerChrysler Commits Over $70 Million to Fuel Cell Development in the U.S.

The United States Department of Energy and DaimlerChrysler work together for further development of Fuel Cell Vehicles . DaimlerChrysler has more Fuel Cell Vehicles in the U.S. than any other manufacturer , Vehicles are part of the 100-plus DaimlerChrysler Fuel Cell Worldwide Fleet

Washington, D.C., Mar 30, 2005 - DaimlerChrysler, the world's leading manufacturer of fuel cell vehicles, has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to further develop fuel cell vehicles in the United States. DaimlerChrysler will invest over $70 million, returning valuable information about the future of hydrogen transportation.

The five-year partnership, part of the DOE Controlled Fleet and Hydrogen Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project, links DaimlerChrysler, BP and other companies as partners to help increase public awareness through outreach programs about fuel cell vehicles, the hydrogen economy and the benefits to society.

"DaimlerChrysler has worked with the Department of Energy from the beginning. We have a fleet of fuel cell vehicles ready to go into service in this demonstration program," said Deborah Morrissett, Vice President - Regulatory Affairs, Chrysler Group. "This is an example of the type of partnership that is necessary to accelerate the evolution of the fuel cell vehicle and to reduce the dependency on oil in the United States."

By working closely with Ballard Power Systems, DaimlerChrysler has succeeded in developing a range of fuel cell-powered vehicles for different applications:

The Mercedes F-Cell is a four-door passenger car being manufactured under volume production conditions.

The company also is currently testing the Dodge Fuel Cell Sprinter van with UPS; this is the first medium-duty fuel cell vehicle used commercially in the United States.

In addition to the Mercedes F-Cells and Dodge Fuel Cell Sprinters, the company operates a fleet of fuel cell-powered Mercedes Citaro buses in public transportation worldwide.

The varying models are part of the company's 100 fuel cell vehicle fleet and places DaimlerChrysler at a unique advantage to put numerous fuel cell-powered vehicles within the United States in early 2005.

"DaimlerChrysler has more fuel cell vehicles in use than any other company," said Morrissett. "The DOE program will further expand our knowledge of fuel cell technology, demonstrate our commitment to zero emission transportation and support our nation’s long term vision of a hydrogen economy."

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 in 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, Mich., 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.

SOURCE: Newsroom (Home), Additional information and news from BP is available on the Internet at bp.com/hydrogen