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DaimlerChrysler and Southern California Edison
Use a Different Kind of Energy - Fuel Cells
Rosemead, Calif. -
Southern California Edison (SCE) is no stranger to electric power and the
company will be expanding its knowledge with a DaimlerChrysler F-Cell in
daily use. Today, SCE took possession of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered
DaimlerChrysler F-Cell.
Since the Department of
Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project kickoff in
Washington, D.C., DaimlerChrysler has delivered nine fuel cell vehicles to
customers in California and will continue to announce new customers in the
near future. This aggressive effort shows the commitment DaimlerChrysler
has made to zero-emission transportation.
Through daily use, the
F-Cell will supply DaimlerChrysler and SCE with operational experience and
technical data that will help improve the next generation of fuel cell
vehicles. These working relationships with government agencies and the
private sector are continuing proof that DaimlerChrysler is committed to
fuel cell technology and Governor Schwarzenegger’s Hydrogen Highway
Network.
"DaimlerChrysler has
invested over $1 billion inhydrogen fuel cell technology," said Mark
Chernoby, Vice President - Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler Group.
"We have the largest world wide fuel cell vehicle fleet on the road
gaining valuable experience. This effort highlights our committment to the
pursuit of zero emission transportation."
The largest fleet of fuel
cell vehicles in the world is managed by DaimlerChrysler. The SCE F-Cell
is just one of more than 100 fuel cell vehicles DaimlerChrysler has put
into service around the world. The data collected through vehicle
operation will contribute to the DOE Hydrogen Learning Demonstration
Project.
"Southern California
Edison is proud to be associated with this leading fuel cell program," Ed
Kjaer, Edison's manager of electric transportation, said. "We're looking
forward to a long and productive working relationship with
DaimlerChrysler."
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, Mich., 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.
(June 28,
2005)
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