DaimlerChrysler Builds First Fuel Cell-powered Fire Fighter Vehicle
January 24 2007 - 8:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
- Zero-emissions fire protection in Sacramento SACRAMENTO, Calif.,
Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler has introduced
the first fuel cell-powered fire response vehicle. The Sacramento
Metropolitan Fire District will operate the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell as
a supervisor's vehicle in the Sacramento area. (Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070124/CLW002 ) Outfitted
with decals, lights, sirens and a healthy coat of bright red paint,
the Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a look into the future use
of fuel cell vehicles. The demanding operation of the vehicle will
produce valuable data to help develop fuel cell technology. The new
fire response F- Cell joins the first fuel cell powered police car,
also built by DaimlerChrysler, which operates in Michigan with the
Wayne State University Police Department. These two vehicles are
the first hydrogen fuel cell powered emergency response vehicles in
the world. "This program exhibits how DaimlerChrysler is taking on
the challenge for industries and governments to create viable
alternative-fuel solutions," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President -
Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler Group. "We're pleased to be a
driving force in this team effort to develop zero- emissions
transportation." The Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell will be
refueled at a BP Energy hydrogen refueling station located at the
California Fuel Cell Partnership. Delivering hydrogen fuel cell
vehicle experience to the fire service, the F- Cell contributes to
the development of appropriate solutions for hydrogen
transportation safety. DaimlerChrysler has spent more than $1
billion in fuel cell vehicle research and development. No other
manufacturer has accumulated more data or driven more
zero-emissions miles -- almost 2 million. The DaimlerChrysler fuel
cell vehicle fleet is diverse -- in addition to several research
vehicles, it also includes medium-duty fuel cell Dodge Sprinter
vans and more than 35 Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuel cell buses, which
operate in Europe, the United States, Japan, Australia and
Singapore. As part of the world's largest fleet of fuel cell
vehicles, DaimlerChrysler has 32 fuel cell vehicles in customer
hands within the United States and more than 100 around the world.
No other manufacturer comes close to the efforts of DaimlerChrysler
with fuel cell technology. The Mercedes-Benz 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 fuel cell stack has been developed by the
DaimlerChrysler cooperation partner, Ballard Power Systems.
DaimlerChrysler supports Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's efforts
and goals. His California Hydrogen Highway Network -- in addition
to other programs the company is involved with, including those
with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection
Agency -- enables DaimlerChrysler and its partners to gain
extensive operational familiarity with fuel cell vehicles and
hydrogen refueling stations. DaimlerChrysler pioneered fuel cell
vehicle technology more than a decade ago. Fuel cells release
energy from the reaction of hydrogen with a catalyst and oxygen.
This clean technology operates at a high level of efficiency and is
true zero-emissions. 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
includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesels, Flex-Fuel
and hybrid powertrain systems.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070124/CLW002
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT:
Nick Cappa, +1-248-512-4266, or , or Todd Goyer, +1-248-512-0041,
or , both of the Chrysler Group Web site:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
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