DaimlerChrysler Adds to Fuel Cell Vehicle Fleet in California

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has contracted DaimlerChrysler AG (Stuttgart, Germany) for two fuel-cell-powered F-Cell passenger cars for daily use in California through the US Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project program. To date, DaimlerChrysler has delivered 17 fuel cell vehicles to customers in California and Michigan, with more to announce in the near future.

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. 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. The efforts support SMUD's research and development policies helping to create clean transportation alternatives for the community.

The largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world is managed by DaimlerChrysler. The SMUD F-Cells are part of the 100-plus 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.