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DaimlerChrysler Presents First Driveable U.S. Fuel Cell Technology Car

18 March 1999

DaimlerChrysler Presents First Driveable Fuel Cell Technology Car in the U.S.

       Chairmen Eaton and Schrempp Pledge to Lead Fuel Cell Development

    WASHINGTON, March 17 -- DaimlerChrysler Chairmen
Robert J. Eaton and Juergen E. Schrempp today unveiled the first driveable
zero-emission, fuel cell car in the United States that demonstrates a
40 percent increase in fuel cell power and up to three times the range of a
battery-powered vehicle.
    NECAR 4 (New Electric Car), uses fuel cell technology to generate
electricity and water vapor.  NECAR 4, based on a Mercedes-Benz A-class
compact car, reaches top speeds of 90 mph (compared to a previous top speed of
68 mph in its technological predecessor NECAR 2) and can travel nearly 280
miles (450 km) before refueling.  In addition, engineers have been able to
mount the complete fuel cell system in the vehicle floor for the first time
allowing room for up to five passengers with plenty of cargo space in a
compact car.
    DaimlerChrysler plans to have fuel cell vehicles in limited production by
2004.  The company will invest more than $1.4 billion on fuel cell technology
development by the time the first fuel cell vehicles come to market.  That is
about the same amount of money spent to introduce an entire line of profit-
making vehicles, such as the Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler LHS
and Dodge Intrepid.
    "DaimlerChrysler is leading the race to develop high performance,
comfortable and practical zero emission vehicles," said Bob Eaton,
DaimlerChrysler chairman.  "With NECAR 4, we've already proven that fuel cell
technology is viable.  Now, we are working to make the technology affordable
for every consumer."
    "We continue to look for ways to improve the performance of our vehicles
on all levels," added Juergen Schrempp, DaimlerChrysler chairman.  "We are
investing in fuel cells, because we are committed to sustainable mobility and
because we believe this investment will pay off.  Fuel cells have the
potential to be the most attractive alternative propulsion system for the long
term."
    Schrempp believes DaimlerChrysler is leading the "technology race":
"Since 1994, DaimlerChrysler has presented five different non-hybrid driveable
fuel cell vehicles.  We have solved the most challenging technical problems.
So let me say:  Today, we declare the race to demonstrate the technical
viability of fuel cell vehicles over.  Now, we begin the race to make them
affordable."
    "NECAR 4 is a major breakthrough in fuel cell technology because we've
developed a very powerful fuel cell system small enough to be packaged in a
compact car," said Dr. Ferdinand Panik, head of DaimlerChrysler's Fuel Cell
Project.  "Five years ago, you needed a large van to contain all the fuel cell
hardware.  Now, that is simply no longer an issue.  The significance of this
technological advancement is comparable to the impact the microchip had on
computer technology when it replaced the transistor."

    Creating a Powerful Fuel Cell
    The NECAR 4 is powered by liquid hydrogen stored in a cryogenic cylinder
resembling a large thermos at the rear of the vehicle.  The fuel is then
processed by a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC).  Inside the PEMFC,
a platinum-coated membrane separates hydrogen into protons and electrons and
combines them with oxygen in the air to form water.  This surplus and deficit
of electrons and protons creates positive and negative terminals that, when
connected, produce electricity, which in turn, powers the vehicle.
    "Fuel cells give you the range of conventional gasoline engines and the
emission benefits of electrical vehicles," Panik added.  "You have a quick
refueling process, unlike electric vehicles which need to be plugged in
overnight.  Yet, it has few moving parts like an electric vehicle and is
quieter than a conventional car."