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DaimlerChrysler Unveils New
Fuel Cell Vehicle in Geneva
by Jenny McLane
The next generation of fuel cell technology was unveiled at the 2005 Geneva
Motor Show by DaimlerChrysler, the pioneer of fuel cell drive. Sports tourers
are now the new members of the family of fuel cell vehicles with the
Mercedes
Benz B-Class sporting the enw F-Cell. This F-Cell's unique sandwich concept
developed by Mercedes Benz is perfect for this type of drive unit.
The fuel cell's emission free operation is congruous with sporty, dynamic
driving. the technical data proves this fact: the high-torque electric motor
will develop more than 100 kW -- 35 kW more power than its predecessor
generation. And because the fuel cell reduces fuel consumption and further
enhances storage capacity, the operating range has now been increased to almost
250 miles (400 km). Also, component reliability and longevity has been enhanced.
"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.
Since 1990, DaimlerChrysler engineers and researchers have been working on the
automotive application of the fuel cell technology. The first fuel cell vehicle,
the NECAR 1 was introduced in 1994. More than 20 other research vehicles and
prototypes have since been presented. The performance and reliability have been
steadily enhanced while the size and weight of the drive system have been
reduced. This new Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell is another significant milestone
along the road to market maturity for the fuel cell.
In 2003, DaimlerChrysler launched the world's most extensive series practical
tests for the fuel cell in cars, vans and regular service buses. There are now
more than a hundred fuel cell vehicles that are currently in everyday
application. These fuel-cell vehicles provide DaimlerChrysler engineers with
vital information for the development of this future oriented technology. This
encompasses optimization of the vehicles and their components, the establishment
of an infrastructure, and the increased acceptance of hydrogen technology among
drivers and passengers.
Elsewhere in the world, fuel cell technology continues to flourish. Since 2003,
there have been 30 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses with fuel cell drive that are now
on regular route service in ten major European cities. Three buses are now in
operation in Perth, Australia and in Beijing, China. These vehicles must prove
their worth in the most varied of climactic conditions. On average, these buses
have now covered more than 300,000 miles (500,000 km) and transported more than
two million passengers, who have been convinced by the advantages of this quiet,
emission-free technology. There are also several fuel cell-powered Sprinter vans
that are currently used in delivery operations in Germany and the United States.
Since late 2004, 60 Mercedes-Benz F-Cell's have been operating in the United
States, Germany, Japan, and Singapore. Approximately 190,000 miles (300,000 km)
have now been covered in this first test phase under highly diverse conditions
and documented with these vehicles. In the long term, the fuel cell provides the
best opportunities for securing uncompromisingly environment-friendly mobility
for the automobile: the fuel cell runs on either pure hydrogen or hydrogen
media, and is thus a genuine zero-emission power unit: electrical energy is
released in a chemical reaction between the hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen to
drive an electric motor.
Moreover, the fuel cell has an efficiency factor approximately twice that of the
internal combustion engine. In order to focus expertise and resources, and to
press ahead with the development of the fuel cell, DaimlerChrysler has entered
into a strategic alliance with Ford Motor Company and the fuel cell specialist
Ballard Power Systems. Partnerships are an important part of fuel cell
technology development.
The fuel cell is the key technology for emission-free driving of the future and
is the long-term objective of DaimlerChrysler's five-stage Energy for the Future
roadmap. DaimlerChrysler is continuing to optimize the internal combustion
engine, since the potential of gasoline and diesel engines has by no means been
exhausted. The aim is to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, while at
the same time enhancing driving pleasure, power development and comfort.
DaimlerChrysler is also committed to optimizing fuel quality worldwide and is
supporting the fuel evolution from crude oil to largely CO2-neutral fuels
derived from biomass. Hybrid drive is a significant interim solution along the
road to emission-free mobility with the fuel cell.
As the pioneer in fuel cell technology,
Chrysler continues to innovate and
create better and more future-oriented automobiles that are proof of the
company's stamp of excellence in the automotive industry. Fuel cell technology
will definitely enhance the entire driving experience and will improve the
operation and maintenance of these vehicles. Meanwhile, one of the best ways to
maintain the quality of a vehicle is by replacing worn out and outdated parts
with new ones. By doing this, a Chrysler auto acquires a new life with excellent
quality parts.
About Author:
These parts are available in many online stores that make shopping easier and
faster. One such reliable and reputable online site is Auto Parts Train, one of
the leading online auto parts stores to day. Check out some of their Chrysler
parts offerings in their easy-to-use and very secure site:
http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/CHRYSLER. All Chrysler parts that Parts
Train offers is guaranteed excellent quality and very low priced too.
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on
cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market
Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
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