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Technology Stocks : Ballard Power -world leader zero-emission PEM fuel cells -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Hawkeye who wrote (3865)	3/17/1999 10:04:00 AM
From: Hawkeye	Respond to of 5827

Automobile News Wed, 17 Mar 1999, 9:51am EST 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 /PRNewswire/ -- DaimlerChrysler (NYSE: DCX) 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." SOURCE DaimlerChrysler

To: Hawkeye who wrote (3865)	3/17/1999 10:06:00 AM
From: Hawkeye	Respond to of 5827

ed, 17 Mar 1999, 9:53am EST METHANOL KEY TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S FUEL CELL VEHICLE PLANS WASHINGTON, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation introduced its fuel cell cars to America, and detailed plans to bring methanol-powered fuel cell cars to the marketplace. "DaimlerChrysler is the pace-setter in the race to bring fuel cell vehicles to the marketplace, a race that will be run and won using methanol fuel," said American Methanol Institute President & CEO John Lynn. "DaimlerChrysler is not alone in their support for methanol. A clear consensus has now been reached that methanol is the automotive industry's preferred energy source for fuel cell vehicles." At a major press conference held today in Washington, D.C., DaimlerChrysler unveiled the NECAR 4, and rolled out their entire inventory of fuel cell vehicles -- the NECAR I, NECAR II, and NECAR 3 -- for the first time ever in the United States. There are 18 methanol production plants in the United States with a total annual capacity of over 2.6 billion gallons per year. Worldwide, 90 methanol plants have the capacity to produce over 11 billion gallons of methanol annually. The global methanol industry generates $12 billion in economic activity each year, while creating nearly 100,000 jobs. In California, the pump price for methanol at 38 retail stations ranges from 87.9c to $1.10 per gallon. According to the California Energy Commission, the average price for unleaded gasoline for the week of March 8th was $1.162. Today, methanol is sold in California serving over 11,000 "flexible fuel" vehicles that use either methanol or gasoline in an internal combustion engine. A study by the firm EA Engineering, Inc. conducted for the American Methanol Institute found that refueling stations for dispensing methanol are very similar to today's gasoline stations, and conversion capital costs are moderate. Converting an existing gasoline underground storage tank to methanol costs less than $20,000, while the cost to add new methanol capacity to an existing station is about $62,000. "The global methanol industry is ready, willing and able to serve a worldwide market for fuel cell vehicles," added Lynn. "Our estimates show that for about a $3 billion investment, methanol pumps could be added to one out of every three corner 'energy' stations in the country. This compares quite well with the $13 billion in capital costs to produce the reformulated gasoline now sold in one-third of the nation." SOURCE American Methanol Institute

To: Hawkeye who wrote (3865)	3/17/1999 10:08:00 AM
From: Hawkeye	Respond to of 5827

Automobile News Wed, 17 Mar 1999, 9:55am EST ECOSTAR SYSTEM DRIVES FORD P2000 AND MERCEDES NECAR 4 FUEL CELL ars DEARBORN, Mich., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Two new cars powered by fuel cells -- the Ford P2000 and the Mercedes NECAR 4 -- are driven with technology developed and produced by Ecostar Electric Drive Systems. The Ecostar electric drive is being used by both Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and DaimlerChrysler (NYSE: DCX) in their latest hydrogen fuel cell- powered demonstration cars. Ecostar is responsible for the motor/transaxle and electric power converter in the vehicles. The electric power converter, known as the Traction Inverter Module, provides the power electronics to control the drive system of the fuel cell cars. It is based on technology developed for use in Ford's battery electric vehicle programs. Ecostar is one of the companies in the Fuel Cell Alliance formed between Ford, Ballard Power Systems and DaimlerChrysler. Ford owns 62 percent, while DaimlerChrysler and Ballard own 17 and 21 percent respectively. The goal of the alliance is to be the leading producer of fuel cell-powered drive systems and components for cars, trucks and buses. The alliance aims to begin commercialization of fuel cell vehicles by 2004. "We have the strongest partnership in the world in terms of reaching commercially viable production of this emerging technology," said Ross Witschonke, president of Ecostar. "The three companies bring leadership in terms of all the key ingredients -- fuel cell stacks, systems components and electric drive systems." The P2000 Fuel Cell car is a direct hydrogen vehicle first introduced by Ford in January for the 1999 North American International Auto Show. The P2000 fuel cell vehicle is a true zero-emissions mid-sized car that can comfortably carry five people. P2000 is an advanced lightweight car that develops 90 horsepower and is designed to achieve the performance of today's Ford Taurus, which goes from 0 to 60 in 12 seconds. It is a major step forward by Ford to take the high efficiency and zero emissions of fuel cells and package that in a family vehicle with uncompromised levels of performance, safety and comfort. P2000 uses fuel cell technology developed by the Ford, Ballard and DaimlerChrysler alliance. The NECAR 4 is DaimlerChrysler's first vehicle to also use the technology developed by the alliance. It is the world's only ZEV covering a range of 280 miles on one fill of the liquid hydrogen tank. All components of the 70 kW system have now been packaged under the floor, allowing a normal passenger compartment and adequate luggage space. Ecostar will continue to be a primary development center for Ford's power electronics and electric drives. Ford already has been recognized as a world leader in the development of electric drive systems, which were first developed for Ford's electric Ecostar minivan in the 1980s, then further improved for the Ford Ranger electric pickup truck. In addition, Ecostar Electric Drive Systems is developing power sources for non-automotive uses. Last fall, Ecostar delivered its first electric power inverters to Visteon Automotive Systems for use in Allied Signal's TurboGenerator(TM) Power System, a stationary power source that can provide electrical power for various commercial uses. SOURCE Ford Motor Company