DaimlerChrysler Increases Fuel Cell Vehicle Presence in California

DaimlerChrysler announced the delivery of two more DaimlerChrysler F-Cells for the Department of Energy (DOE) Program. They will be delivered to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District), where they will be used in daily use. These are some of the first fuel cell vehicles delivered since the official kick-off of the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project…


The use of the F-Cells will enable DaimlerChrysler and the Air District to gain additional experience with fuel cell vehicles. By operating in California, DaimlerChrysler will receive data on variables that may affect future vehicle design. The two F-Cells bear Air District's commitment toward California's Hydrogen Highway program. Part of a 100-plus-vehicle fuel cell fleet that DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world, these two F- Cells also will contribute to the DOE Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project.

The F-Cell is a presentation of DaimlerChrysler's 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 has been developed by the DaimlerChrysler 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 in different conditions. DaimlerChrysler is testing more than 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 Energy is partnered with 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 and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District are delivering on a challenge for the automotive industry and government agencies to push fuel cell technology forward," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "The Bay Area District is a perfect fit for the Department of Energy Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project."
Source: DaimlerChrysler

Ford Applauds the Commitment to Hydrogen Vehicle Technologies

Ford Motor Company applauded the announcement of $ 64 million in federal funds for 70 new projects at universities and national laboratories that have been selected to conduct basic research in support of the hydrogen economy. The automaker announced the production of up to 100 hydrogen buses for delivery to fleet customers in 2006…

With a commitment to support innovation, technical excellence and alternative-fuel vehicle development, Mary Ann Wright, Ford director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrid programs, said during the advanced vehicle technologies event at a hydrogen fueling station in northeast Washington DC: "At Ford, we are not only delivering leading-edge technology, we're also bringing to market smart technology that the customer values and the environment appreciates. We believe hydrogen fuel is a critical part of our future."

Ford is the only automaker actively developing four alternative-fuel technologies: gasoline-electric hybrids, clean diesels, hydrogen internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells. The Ford Escape Hybrid, the industry's first hybrid SUV, went on sale in 2004 and has received numerous awards, including being named the 2005 North American Truck of the Year.

Ford Motor Company is producing eight V-10, E-450 shuttle buses powered by hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) for the state of Florida for use in the Orlando-area. Compared with today's gasoline engines, the H2ICE delivers up to a 99.7 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and includes many of the benefits of a hydrogen fuel cell, but at a fraction of the cost. Earlier in May, Ford announced a multi-year partnership that will place at least five hydrogen-powered Ford shuttles in operation next year in California's Coachella Valley. Now Ford plans to produce up to 100 V-10, E-450 hydrogen buses for delivery to fleet customers in 2006.

Ford Motor Company is advancing hydrogen fuel technologies as a way of reducing emissions and decreasing our nation's energy dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to the H2ICE shuttle program, Ford is partnering with BP to place a fleet of Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles on California, Michigan, and Florida roads as part of a U.S. Department of Energy demonstration project. Operating these demonstration vehicles in real world situations creates the opportunity to collect data and advance the development of hydrogen-based technologies.
Source: Ford Motor Company

Ford Delivers Fuel Cell Cars to Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program

Five fuel cell cars powered by hydrogen instead of gasoline were delivered by Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, Vice-President, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company, and Joe Hinrichs, President and CEO of Ford of Canada, to the Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program (VFCVP) on April 1st, moving Canada closer to a cleaner-energy future…

Ford of Canada handed five sets of keys to the Government of Canada, launching this first-of-its-kind demonstration program, which encompasses three years of a five-year initiative. "Using hydrogen and fuel cell technologies is a key part of bringing down greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. I'm proud that the Government of Canada is part of projects such as this and that we've supported these innovative technologies for nearly two decades," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada.

The partners in this program - the Government of Canada, Ford Motor Company/Ford of Canada, Fuel Cells Canada and the Government of British Columbia - will collaborate on this five-year, $9-million program. The Government of Canada has invested $4.5 million in this project. It is one of a number of hydrogen-related programs targeted for implementation before the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler.

BC Hydro, B.C. Transit, Ballard Power Systems, the City of Vancouver, Fuel Cells Canada, the National Research Council (NRC), Natural Resources Canada and the Government of British Columbia will use the state-of-the-art Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) in real daily driving conditions as part of a three-year hydrogen fuel technology demonstration program.

The Ford Focus FCV is a third-generation hybrid-electric vehicle that uses the Canadian-made Ballard Mark 902 series fuel cell engine and Dynetek 5,000-psi (pounds per square inch) compressed-hydrogen storage tanks. The performance of each car will be carefully monitored over the next three years, providing critical data for the continued development of fuel cell technology.

Nuvera Announces Sale of New Fuel Cell System

Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., an international developer of multi-fuel reforming and proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology, has stated it begins accepting orders for its new 5 kW PowerFlow(TM) hydrogen fuel cell system. PowerFlow is being offered to OEMs for use in stationary or mobile applications or to customers who wish to test Nuvera's latest fuel cell technology...

In response to market needs, PowerFlow was designed as a complete, fully automated fuel cell system to be installed into industrial vehicles and equipment for a variety of applications, such as material handling, ground support equipment, powered access, turf care, construction, mining, forestry, and utility vehicles. It is a compact, flexible system that features proven direct water injection technology, resulting in operational simplicity, fewer balance-of-plant components than standard fuel cell systems, and high reliability. In addition, PowerFlow incorporates metallic bipolar plates to ensure low production costs and resistance to shock and vibration.

"PowerFlow is Nuvera's first commercial offering," said Gus Block, Director of Marketing and Global Market Leader of Nuvera's PowerFlow product platform. "Its design followed current industry product development practices and is based on the results of field trials of our previous generation power modules in North America, Europe, and Japan. Input from industrial end-users in our target markets was critical in establishing the core features of the product, such as high efficiency, modularity for packaging flexibility, and completely serviceable stack technology. By understanding the market drivers from all sides, we were able to design a system that meets the capital and operational cost requirements of OEMs and end-users alike."

Nuvera is working in the development and advancement of multi-fuel processing and fuelcell technology. With offices located in Italy and the USA, Nuvera is committed to advancing the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell power modules for industrial vehicles and equipment and stationary applications by 2007, natural gas fuel cell power systems for cogeneration applications by 2008, and on-board gasoline fuel processors and fuel cell stacks for automotive applications by 2010.

Combined Fuel Cell & Solar Power System Installation

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has dedicated the first combined use of solar power and fuel cell systems on Long Island. The unique combination of alternative energy technology systems are located at the Local 25 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) headquarters in Hauppauge. The 15 kilowatt (kW) solar power system and 5 k fuel cell unit will provide electric power and domestic hot water to the facility…

The 5k fuel cell system is part of LIPA's on-going Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) research and development program and will operate as part of LIPA's electric grid. The fuel cell, manufactured by Plug Power of Latham, NY, converts the energy of natural gas and an oxidant (air or oxygen) into useable electricity.

The fuel cell will generate electricity while also providing supplemental domestic hot water to the IBEW facility. In the event of an electrical outage, the fuel cell is capable of operating independent of the electric grid delivering 110 volts at 50amps, to supply electricity to critical loads and emergency lighting throughout the facility.

"It's becoming increasing apparent that Long Island must decrease its dependency on fossil fuels and expand the use of renewable non-polluting sources of energy," said LIPA Chairman Richard M Kessel. "The use of solar energy, fuel cells, wind power and other renewable technologies will help bring Long Island a little closer to achieving that goal."

Kessel was also honored with the Pathfinder Award presented by the U.S. Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) for his efforts in promoting and encouraging the use of clean and renewable technologies such as fuel cells. "I applaud Richard Kessel for having the foresight to promote the advancement of both solar and fuel cell technology," said Donald J. Fiore, Business Manager IBEW Local 25. "The growing use of this type of environmentally friendly power is necessary for us to advance our independence from the growing pollution of fossil fuels."

"This installation is an example of a great partnership and collaborative effort between LIPA, IBEW and Plug Power," said Dr. Roger B. Saillant, Plug Power President and Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to appreciate Chairman Kessel's commitment to helping to advance the commercialization of fuel cells in the State of New York. This commitment will further the movement toward energy independence while promoting economic development on Long Island."

The 15 kW roof-top solar power system consists of 81 photovoltaic panels in a three array configuration that converts sunlight into electricity. The electricity created by the solar panels will help protect Long Island's environment by avoiding the emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels through traditional generating methods. Over the expected life of the solar panels, the electricity generated will displace 563,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 749 pounds of nitrous oxide and 2,458 pounds of sulfur dioxide. The solar system was installed by electrician volunteers at the IBEW Local 25.

DaimlerChrysler Unveils New Fuel Cell Vehicle in Geneva

At the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, DaimlerChrysler has presented the next generation of its fuel cell vehicles. The new F-Cell, built on the Mercedes- Benz B-Class, is extending the family of fuel cell vehicles to the segment of sports tourers. The new F-Cell continues with the unique sandwich concept developed by Mercedes-Benz that makes it predestined for this type of drive unit…


Thanks to a reduction in fuel consumption and a further enhanced storage capacity, the operating range has been increased to almost 250 miles (400 km). The high-torque electric motor offers more than 100 kW - 35 kW more power than its predecessor generation.

"With this car, we are continuing our highly successful practical tests on an even larger scale," said Dr. Thomas Weber, member of DaimlerChrysler's Board of Management with responsibility for Research and Technology and for the development of the Mercedes Car Group.

The DaimlerChrysler researchers and engineers have been working since 1990 towards automotive application of this technology. Since late 2004, 60 Mercedes-Benz F-Cell's have been in operation with customers in the United States, Germany, Japan and Singapore. In this first test phase, approximately 190,000 miles (300,000 km) have already been covered under highly diverse conditions and documented with these vehicles.

Voller Energy Acquires KAT-Chem and Starts Reformer Activities

Voller Energy Group PLC, a manufacturer of portable fuel cell systems for use as battery chargers and mobile generators, confirms the acquisition of the assets of KAT-Chem GmbH a developer of hydrogen reformer technology. Voller Energy is paying a maximum consideration of £ 250,000 in cash for the acquisition…


KAT-Chem is a subsidiary of MIR-Chem GmbH which was founded in 2001 by academics from the University of Bremen in northern Germany. KAT-Chem focuses on the reforming of hydrocarbons and the developing of mini-reformers with high selectivity and yield for the application in fuel cells.

Reformers are used to extract hydrogen from hydrocarbons such as propane, butane, LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) or Calor Gas. This means that Voller Energy portable fuel cell systems can use existing fuel infrastructures without having to wait for a hydrogen infrastructure to emerge. This is particularly important for Voller Energy’s target markets of building services and leisure (camping and boating).

During the next two years the company plans to develop low-cost reformer technology that will be incorporated into the VE100 system design. It is anticipated that the propane units will be available in 2006 and the JP-8 units by 2008.

Voller Energy is also working on ways to reduce the size and weight of its units. Systems can be designed with special outputs, for example a unit has recently been produced with a 16.8v DC output using a 62GB Amphenol 2 way chassis socket.

Voller Energy is acquiring two patent applications, two employees, analytical equipment and a number of fixed assets from KAT-Chem. KAT-Chem has an existing laboratory in Bremen that Voller Energy will take over.

In addition the Company confirms the appointment of Dr Mark Turpin as Chief Technology Officer. Dr Turpin’s role at Voller Energy is to lead the development of the Company’s new technology, to further strengthen the Voller Energy intellectual property portfolio and to manage the Company’s laboratory acquired with the KAT-Chem acquisition. Dr Turpin has considerable experience in the integration of fuel cell energy systems and in the generation of hydrogen from hydrocarbon sources.

Hyundai Unveils First Hydrogen-Powered Tucson SUV

Hyundai Motor Co.'s fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) program unveiled its second-generation fuel cell vehicle, the Tucson FCEV, at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The Tucson FCEV is Hyundai's first hydrogen-powered vehicle taking part in fleet operations. Mid of February Hyundai, UTC Fuel Cells and ChevronTexaco launched a hydrogen fleet and infrastructure project at Ceremony in Chino…


Hyundai's second-generation fuel cell vehicle is improved in almost every way. The Tucson FCEV has a driving range double that of Hyundai's first-generation vehicle, the Santa Fe FCEV. Maximum speed and power have both increased to improve the overall performance.

In a major technology breakthrough, the Tucson FCEV is one of the first fuel cell vehicles capable of starting in freezing temperatures. Testing has proven that the vehicle is capable of starting after being subjected to -20 degrees Celsius temperatures for five days. Other technical advancements include a higher output fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer battery.

"These advances in our fuel cell electric vehicles are exciting steps forward for our program," said Kim Sang-Kwon, president of research and development for Hyundai-Kia Motors. "The Tucson FCEV is proof that Hyundai has significantly improved efficiency and quality control in the manufacturing process."

Only a few weeks later Hyundai in partnership with UTC Fuel Cells and ChevronTexaco unveiled a Hydrogen energy station at the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center in Chino, Calif. The project is part of a Department of Energy-sponsored Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration Validation Program.

The new Hydrogen energy station will fuel a fleet of five Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) based out of the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center. Other fleets will be tested out of AC Transit in Oakland, Calif. and Southern California Edison over the duration of the program.

The Chino hydrogen energy station is part of a five-year U.S. Department of Energy cost-sharing program that is designed to demonstrate safe, practical hydrogen technologies in real-world settings. ChevronTexaco Technology Ventures is leading the project in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Co. and UTC Fuel Cells.
Photo: PRNewswire

Donaldson Ships First Fuel Cell Filters Manufactured in Japan

Donaldson Company, Inc. announced that the company has shipped its first FC3 (Fuel Cell Contamination Control) products manufactured in Japan. After 3 years of manufacturing the world’s first air & chemical filters and noise attenuation devices for fuel cells in the United States, Donaldson has begun manufacturing fuel cell filters at its factory in Gunma, Japan…

The first products made were specialized air filters and noise attenuation devices to be used on fuel cell vehicles. “Donaldson has been manufacturing filters and exhaust products in Japan for 40 years (Nippon Donaldson, Ltd of Tokyo),” Ric Canepa, Director FC3 Group, explained. “We are happy to be able to manufacture in close proximity to our fuel cell developer customers for their convenience, and currently serve Japanese customers in all three fuel cell product markets – portable, stationary and vehicular. “

Donaldson designs and manufactures a full line of products for the specialized air management and filtration that fuel cells require, including air intake filter systems, custom cathode air filters for micro fuel cells, point-of-use filters, noise attenuation devices, air filters for compressed air, and integrated components.
Source: Donaldson

Honda FCX Fuel Cell Car is First Fuel Cell Vehicle in Nevada

American Honda announced mid of February the lease of two Honda FCX fuel cell (FC) vehicles to the city of Las Vegas. The announcement was made in a ceremony held with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman. The city of Las Vegas will lease the FC vehicles for a period of two years at a cost of $500 per vehicle per month…

The vehicles will operate on a regular daily basis as part of their normal fleet operations. The FCX fuel cell vehicles will be refueled at a city-owned and operated hydrogen station. The two Honda FC vehicles are the only fuel cell powered vehicles in service in the state of Nevada, increasing Honda's total number of vehicles operating in the United States to 14.

"We're thrilled to have the city of Las Vegas as a new customer for the Honda FCX," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda. "Whether it is the sunny skies of southern California, the freezing winters of the northeast or the extreme temperatures of the Nevada desert, Honda is committed to expanding its technology and real world experience."

"Innovation is what the city of Las Vegas has demonstrated for years," added Mayor Goodman. "Consistent with that vision is the deployment of these state-of-the-art, pollution-free Honda fuel cell vehicles. With being the first city in Nevada to test these vehicles and building the world's first hydrogen energy station in 2002, we are at the forefront in pursuing innovative technology that will help keep our environment clean."
Source: PRNewswire

Hybrid Fuel Cell Vehicle Goes on Sale from ZAP

The hydrogen economy is one step closer with the announcement by ZAP and Anuvu Incorporated of the availability this year of the first hydrogen fuel cell consumer vehicle, on display now at one of the world's largest technology tradeshows, CES, in Las Vegas…

ZAP unveiled the hydrogen fuel cell powered pickup as well as a new lithium battery technology at the Consumer Electronics Show. ZAP is forming a new division of the Company to focus on advanced energy technologies alongside its efforts to market advanced transportation.

ZAP's fuel cell technology partner, Anuvu Incorporated, converted the Nissan Frontier 4-door pick-up truck on display at CES. An innovative hybrid fuel cell system powers the vehicle on hydrogen and electricity. With seating for four, a 44-cubic feet cargo bed, power windows, power door locks, and air conditioning, the truck also works like a generator providing a standard 120-volt AC source for powering external machinery and appliances, from power tools to a whole campsite.

"We believe this to be the first time a fuel cell vehicle has been offered for sale to the public," said Craig Newhouse, Ph.D., Anuvu's National Sales Director. "Fuel cell technology has advanced to the point where it is no longer a secret: the technology to drive a zero-emission hydrogen automobile is already here, years ahead of government expectations."

ZAP calls Anuvu's fuel cell systems "fuel cell hybrids" because they run on both hydrogen and electricity, like the gasoline-hybrids currently on the market. Unlike the gasoline hybrids, the by-product of Anuvu's technology is water vapor and nitrogen, classifying it as a "zero emission vehicle."

Last month ZAP signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Anuvu of Sacramento, California for its patented Power-X(TM) hydrogen fuel cell engine systems. According to Anuvu, ZAP's purchase order for the Power-X(TM) PEM fuel cell engine is the largest in fuel cell history. The two Northern California companies are working to be the first to begin delivering production fuel cell vehicles this year. ZAP CEO Steve Schneider claims it is another opportunity to take the lead in introducing automotive innovations into the marketplace for ZAP, which helped pioneer the market for electric cars, scooters and bicycles. Source: PRNewswire

Lights Become Clean and Green

For the first time ever the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lights were powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The lights on the tree turned from using mains electricity to electricity produced by hydrogen and a fuel cell mid of December. This was the first time fuel cell technology has been used in this way anywhere in Europe...

The fuel cell system was assembled and installed by Aberdeen company siGEN, the UK’s leading fuel cell systems providers. The project was sponsored by BOC and Johnson Matthey, both members of the London Hydrogen Partnership. The Mayor of London was working with the London Hydrogen Partnership to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen and fuel cells in the capital.

siGEN’s Managing Director, David McGrath said: “It’s very exciting to be installing a fuel cell in such a public project. London is to be complimented in showing what can be done if the will and support are there. We’ve provided several systems around the UK now, but many people still think fuel cells are science fiction. This project demonstrates that they are here now and here to stay.” Source: PRNewswire