DaimlerChrysler Makes Significant Increase to Fuel Cell Vehicle Fleet in California

* Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) takes possession of two DaimlerChrysler fuel cell powered vehicles * 17 DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicles have been placed with customers in California and Michigan under the Department of Energy Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 8 -- Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has significant experience with electric power and will be expanding that experience to fuel cells with two DaimlerChrysler F- Cell passenger cars through daily use.

Since the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project kickoff in Washington, D.C., DaimlerChrysler has delivered 15 fuel cell vehicles to customers in California and Michigan. This handover makes the total 17, with more to announce in the near future. The aggressive effort shows the commitment DaimlerChrysler has made to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Through daily use, the F-Cells will supply DaimlerChrysler and SMUD 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 dedicated to fuel cell technology and Governor Schwarzenegger's Hydrogen Highway Network.

In support of the federal Freedom Car Program, SMUD is moving forward with hydrogen fuel cell technology with DaimlerChrysler and BP to conduct hydrogen fuel cell vehicle testing. SMUD will operate the DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicles in various activities from public outreach events to high mileage testing. These efforts support SMUD's research and development policies helping to create clean transportation alternatives for the community.

"DaimlerChrysler has invested over $1 billion in hydrogen fuel cell technology," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "We have more than 100 fuel cell vehicles on the road gaining valuable experience. This effort signifies our sincere commitment to hydrogen and its future as an energy source."

The largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world is managed by DaimlerChrysler. The SMUD F-Cells are part of the 100+ fuel cell vehicle fleet DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world. The data collected through vehicle operation will contribute to the DOE Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project.

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, Michigan, 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 advanced hybrid powertrain systems.