California fuel cell partnership: from their website.
http://www.drivingthefuture.org/partnerdescrip.html
About the Partners
AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERS
DAIMLERCHRYSLER DaimlerChrysler has been working on the development of fuel cell vehicles for ten years. This technology will decidedly influence high-tech jobs, business success and mobility of the future. From 1994 until today, the company has presented six drivable cars and one bus with fuel cell systems powered by liquid hydrogen, compressed hydrogen as well as methanol. The latest zero-emission NECARs (New Electric Car) show driving ranges of up to 280 miles and top speeds of 90 mph, while providing space for five passengers and their luggage. DaimlerChrysler now works on further increasing efficiency and reducing costs of the alternative drive system. The company will introduce fuel cell cars in the market in 2004 and has already offered the first fuel cell buses to customers. These 30 buses should be ready for delivery by the end of 2002. In order to pave the way to market introduction and to help develop a fueling infrastructure, DaimlerChrysler is cooperating with auto manufacturers, fuel cell manufacturers, energy providers and public authorities in projects world-wide. The company has partnered with Ford and Ballard in the "Fuel Cell Alliance" since 1998 and is one of the founding members of the California Fuel Cell Partnership.
FORD Based on Ford's popular Focus platform, the Focus FCV, powered by TH!NK, brings high-tech and high-volume together for the first time by combining the world's most advanced powertrain with the world's best selling passenger car. The Ford Focus FCV showcases the company's continuing effort toward production of full performance fuel cell vehicles. The vehicle combines environmentally friendly, fuel cell technology with customer appeal. It also features the smooth, seamless ride characteristic of electric vehicles without the limitations inherent in electric vehicle batteries. The Ford Focus FCV is the second direct-hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle from Ford. The company introduced its first fuel cell vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 1998. Ford is committed to offering fuel cell vehicles to customers in 2004.
GENERAL MOTORS General Motors continues to pioneer fundamental technologies that make a difference to society and the environment. These technologies include the catalytic converter, which was developed in GM's labs and first introduced on GM vehicles, and onboard diagnostic systems. These inventions have resulted in reduced exhaust emissions -- down over 98% for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and 90% for oxides of nitrogen -- compared to an uncontrolled car of 30 years ago. The fuel cell has the potential to make zero emission vehicles the standard. GM has been researching how to make fuel cell technology technically viable for over 30 years. GM developed the world's first fuel cell vehicle in 1966, demonstrated the world's first fuel cell stack start up in freezing temperatures, and is testing a new fuel cell stack design every four months. Further developments are necessary to reduce the cost and size of fuel cell systems for automobiles. GM's goal for 2004 is a fully operational and completely manufactureable vehicle powered by a fuel cell, with consumer market introduction beginning around 2010.
HONDA The Honda FCX-V3 fuel cell vehicle participating in activities of the California Fuel Cell Partnership is the latest in a long line of models the company has developed to reduce the impact vehicles have on the environment through low emissions, high efficiency, and the use of alternative fuels. The FCX-V3 incorporates many of the technological developments Honda has pioneered over the years. The Honda FCX-V3 uses a pure hydrogen fuel cell system with a compact drive motor. While realizing the ultimate environmental performance of zero emissions, zero CO2, and the opportunity for the use of renewable fuels, Honda's FCX-V3 also approaches the packaging and ease-of-use of gasoline powered vehicles. The vehicle features seating for four people, a 10-second start-up and quiet operation for enhanced viability towards a commercial product. Honda joined the California Fuel Cell Partnership in October 1999 to help demonstrate the future potential of fuel cell vehicles.
HYUNDAI Hyundai Motor Company became the sixth automotive member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership in June 2000, paving the way for active participation in the effort to commercialize alternative-energy, environmentally friendly automobiles and helping to set the standard for fuel cell vehicles. Working with American partners including United Technologies Corp.'s International Fuel Cells, as well as Enova Systems and IMPCO Technologies, Hyundai is developing a cutting-edge, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on its new Santa Fe model. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2000, the Santa Fe FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) is among the world's first sport utility vehicles powered by a fuel cell. Besides being based on an SUV, a highly popular body style in the U.S. market, the Santa Fe FCEV is being designed to feature extremely low noise levels and roomy passenger and cargo space identical to that of a standard, gasoline-powered Santa Fe. In addition, the Santa Fe FCEV is built on a performance-boosting aluminum chassis to reduce weight, helping to give the vehicle a power-to-weight ratio similar to a conventional SUV. These features are intended to place the Santa Fe FCEV among the most commercially viable fuel cell powered vehicles. Road testing of the Santa Fe FCEV in the California Fuel Cell Partnership program will help Hyundai with the early detection and resolution of various possible technical challenges. Additionally, Hyundai and its partners aim to develop a gasoline fuel cell vehicle by 2002 that will be closer to commercialization than other alternative fueled vehicles because it can utilize the existing fuel infrastructure.
NISSAN Beginning over 40 years ago, our involvement in America has grown in many respects. Investing in America: We strongly believe in designing, testing and building automobiles in the same market where they're sold. Nearly 70% of the Nissans sold here are built by American workers, and Nissan directly employs over 10,000 Americans. Developing communities: Our U.S. operations are integral contributing members of the communities where we do business. We proudly sponsor sporting and cultural events as well as support local charities.
TOYOTA Recognizing fuel cell vehicles as a promising form of environmentally friendly means of transportation, Toyota has been promoting technological innovations regarding fuel cells for many years. In September 1996, it unveiled a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for storage of pure hydrogen and demonstrated the vehicle in a test run at the EVS-13 in Osaka that year, followed by test drives in 1997. Also in 1997, Toyota developed the world's first fuel cell vehicle with an on-board methanol reformer. In addition to these self-achieved advances, Toyota believes there is a need for broad discussion on numerous issues, such as fuel selection and infrastructure development, to promote the widespread use of fuel cell vehicles. Toyota hopes global and open exchanges under the spirit of "competition and cooperation" will lead to a consensus on these issues not only among automobile manufacturers, but also among industries and administrative organs.
VOLKSWAGEN As one of the world leaders in helping make the car industry an environmentally responsible one, Volkswagen is excited to be a part of this historic consortium. With the debut of its HyMotion prototype, Volkswagen hopes to further demonstrate its commitment to the Fuel Cell Partnership and making fuel-cell vehicles a reality and a success. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. The fourth-largest producer of passenger cars in the world and Europe's largest, the Volkswagen Group's annual sales approach 5 million units. Volkswagen operates some 35 manufacturing facilities in 15 countries across five continents. Brands in the Volkswagen Group include Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda, and most recently Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. In the U.S., Volkswagen has sold more than 12 million cars and has consistently been the top-selling European importer to the United States.
ENERGY PARTNERS
BP ARCO, now BP, joined the California Fuel Cell Partnership as a charter member in April, 1999. Through this effort, BP is working with its energy and automotive partners to demonstrate the commercial viability of fuel cell technology. The energy partners are investigating the most efficient method of providing fuel for the vehicles, while meeting consumer demand in a safe and environmentally friendly way. BP is dedicating considerable resources to the research and development of hydrogen as a fuel and is working with a number of partners around the world to better understand the market, technical, infrastructure and commercial issues associated with developing hydrogen as a fuel for road vehicles and static power. These partnerships focus on the development of the technologies needed, such as fuel cells, and the safe and efficient means to distribute and store hydrogen throughout society. BP has a long history of environmental leadership and innovation. BP Solar is the largest solar company in the world. At this year's summer Olympics in Australia, BP Solar powered the world's largest solar suburb of 650 homes that housed the athletes, as well as 19 grid-connected lighting towers on Olympic Boulevard. All new service stations BP builds in nine countries will use solar panels, which will help to power the pumps and the lights on the forecourt, thus making BP the largest user of solar electricity. To meet today's environmental challenges, BP is engineering cleaner fuels, which improve air quality, while ensuring the fuel performance that consumers expect. In California, BP announced in September, 2000, a $20 million grant to be shared equally between the California Institute of Technology and the University of California, Berkeley. The 10-year research grant will be for the study of catalytically converting methane, the principle component of natural gas, to useful, cleaner liquid fuels and chemicals.
SHELL As a founding partner of the California Fuel Cell Partnership, Shell has worked with the other energy partners to provide the hydrogen fueling station and the hydrogen for the fuel cell vehicles. Shell is also participating in other significant ventures. In Iceland, Shell Hydrogen, Daimler Chrysler, Norsk Hydro and Vistorka, an Icelandic consortium, are investigating the potential for completely replacing the use of fossil fuels in Iceland with hydrogen and so creating the world's first 'hydrogen economy'. The joint venture will test various applications using hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen carriers. One of the first projects could be a hydrogen/fuel cell-powered bus service in Rekjavik. The business is also working with Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation to demonstrate a unique solid oxide fuel cell power generation technology, which is fueled by natural gas and could lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The demonstration is to take place in Norway. Shell Hydrogen and International Fuel Cells recently signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a 50-50 joint venture company to develop, manufacture and sell fuel processors for the fuel cell and hydrogen fuel markets. Fuel processors are devices for converting fossil fuels, such as natural gas or gasoline, into hydrogen. Shell Hydrogen is a global business consisting of separate companies and other organizational entities within the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. Shell Hydrogen was set up in 1999 to pursue and develop business opportunities related to hydrogen and fuel calls, and has its principal office in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
TEXACO Operating in more than 150 countries, Texaco and its affiliates explore for, find, produce and sell crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas; manufacture and market high-quality fuels and lubricant products; operate trading, transportation and distribution facilities; and produce electricity or alternate forms of energy for power and manufacturing. We are committed to providing affordable, abundant energy for people worldwide. We're in all aspects of the energy business - from exploration and production to distribution, refining and marketing. At Texaco we have the know-how and experience to turn great ideas into results that matter. Texaco Energy Systems, Inc. (TESI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Texaco Inc., is focused on commercialization efforts in fuel cells and other advanced energy technologies, including the development of viable fuel-processing technology for fuel cells. TESI will also investigate and identify the potential range of available fuel cell market segments, from transportation, marine and stationary power, to low and portable power systems.
FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS
BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS Ballard Power Systems is recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for use in transportation, electricity generation and portable power products. Ballard Power Systems' proprietary fuel cell technology is enabling automobile, electrical equipment and portable power product manufacturers to develop environmentally clean products for sale. The fundamental component of these end-user products is the Ballard® fuel cell that combines hydrogen (which can be obtained from methanol, natural gas or petroleum) and oxygen (from air) without combustion to generate electricity. Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GPU International, ALSTOM and EBARA, to commercialize Ballard fuel cells. Ballard has also supplied fuel cells to Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, Yamaha, Cinergy, Coleman Powermate and Matsushita Electric Works, among others.
INTERNATIONAL FUEL CELLS International Fuel Cells, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is the world leader in fuel cell production and development for commercial, transportation, residential and space applications. IFC is aggressively developing ambient pressure Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology for automotive and bus applications. Ambient pressure technology is significantly more energy efficient, smaller and lighter than traditional pressurized fuel cell systems. IFC is currently working with five major automobile manufacturers, including Hyundai and BMW, and the U.S. Department of Energy, on development and demonstration programs for automobiles. IFC is also developing fuel processing technology and recently demonstrated a gasoline-powered fuel cell powerplant that runs on California grade pump gasoline containing sulfur. Additionally, IFC recently announced plans to form a 50-50 joint venture company with Shell to develop, manufacture and sell fuel processors for the fuel cell and hydrogen fuel markets. On bus applications, IFC has teamed with Thor Industries, the largest mid-size bus builder in North America, and Irisbus, one of the largest European bus manufacturers, to build fuel cell powered, zero-emission transit buses.
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is the nation's leading air quality agency. ARB is the only state agency with the authority to develop its own emission standards for motor vehicles, and is the developer of the zero emission vehicle requirement for passenger cars. The Air Board is one of the founding members of the Fuel Cell Partnership, bringing with it the reputation for pushing automobile technology to bring California the world's cleanest vehicles. The ARB views fuel cell vehicles as the next step in zero emission vehicle technology. CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION The California Energy Commission primary responsibilities include licensing power plants that are 50 megawatts or larger; advancing energy research and development programs for electricity generation, transportation and energy efficiency ; developing and implementing building and appliance efficiency energy codes; and promoting electricity generation from renewable energy sources. The Energy Commission's goals in the transportation sector focus on encouraging the use of non-petroleum fuels and improving motor vehicle efficiency. The Energy Commission is a founding member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership and is heading up the fuel cell bus demonstration that will place non-polluting buses into transit service around the state.
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AQMD is the nation's largest local air pollution control district. While its primary responsibilities are to regulate air emissions from stationary sources in the greater southern California area, the District has experience with alternative fuel vehicles, an area that is home to nearly half of all the state's residents.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY The U.S. Department of Energy is designed to carry out the nation's energy policy by providing the framework for a comprehensive, balanced national energy plan for both public and private sectors. DOE will work with the state government partners to identify and resolve potential technical and infrastructure barriers for fuel cell-powered cars and buses. DOE will also help secure needed resources. DOE's involvement is coordinated through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The U.S. Department of Transportation is the federal agency that develops and implements national transportation policy and programs. The agency has experience with fuel cell-powered applications for transportation, including transit buses, and will assist CaFCP with procurement and regulatory needs. DOT's involvement is coordinated through the Advanced Vehicle and Federal Transit Administration programs.
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS
These two companies will assist the energy partners with hydrogen fuel infrastructure needs, particularly at the Partnership's West Sacramento facility. Both are global industry leaders in the production, distribution and technology of industrial gases, and have experience developing or providing hydrogen fuel delivery systems for vehicle manufacturers:
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. of Allentown, Pennsylvania
PRAXAIR of Danbury, Connecticut
The Partnership intends to demonstrate the feasibility of using liquid fuels like methanol or gasoline as fuels for fuel cell electric vehicles. A methanol production and marketing firm, Methanex will assist the Partnership's energy providers in examining the potential for a methanol fuel and fueling infrastructure:
METHANEX CORPORATION of Vancouver, British Columbia
These two transit agencies will acquire fuel cell-powered buses and include them in regular revenue service on scheduled routes throughout their service areas. By 2003, the Partnership plans to deploy up to twenty fuel cell-powered buses:
AC TRANSIT - San Francisco Bay area
SUNLINE TRANSIT AGENCY - Palm Springs Area
----------------------
| Return to Main Page | What Is a Fuel Cell? | About the Partnership | News | More Information |
---------------------
------------------
Edward F Sutton
