Gov. Davis Launches CA Fuel Cell Partnership,
dbb fuel cell engines Starts New Facility
SACRAMENTO, CA - Flanked by a couple of Ford and DaimlerChrysler fuel cell cars and with a DaimlerChrysler fuel cell
bus parked nearby, California governor Gray Davis officially rang in the age of fuel cell transportation for the Golden State last
month.
And some 500 miles south of here, dbb fuel engines Corp., the Ballard/DaimlerChrysler/Ford subsidiary that makes fuel cell
motors for cars and busses, marked the third anniversary of its California operations with a ribbon cutting ceremony for its
second facility in Poway, near San Diego.
Standing near the West Steps of the State Capitol under a cloudless California sky, Davis announced the formation of the
"California Fuel Cell Partnership," a cooperative effort by carmakers DaimlerChrysler and Ford Motor Co., fuel cell maker
Ballard Power System, oil companies ARCO, Shell and Texaco, and two state agencies, California's Air Resources Board and
the California Energy Commission.
"Our long-term goal is very simple: zero emissions in the air," Davis said. "To meet that goal, California has teamed with some of
the best automotive manufacturers and energy providers in the world to develop an exciting new technology that is both
environmentally safe and commercially viable."
"This is a monumental week for both fuel cells and for air quality, truly appropriate for Earth Week," added Alan Lloyd, the
head of California's Air Resources Board recently appointed by Gov. Davis (H&FCL March 99). "To my knowledge, it's the
first time that key players - automotive manufacturers, fuel suppliers - are all working in unison together with the state to make
this happen."
Within the next two years, both Ford and DaimlerChrysler will each provide five fuel cell cars, probably variants of
DaimlerChrysler's NECAR 4 and Ford's new PEM P2000 Prodigy (H&FCL Feb., Apr. 99) to be driven initially at least by the
manufacturers in locations yet to be determined. The word was that the manufacturers would like them to operate in the Los
Angeles area, not too far from Poway.
Some state officials have indicated they would like to have some vehicles operate here in the state's capital, however.
By 2003, the three companies expect to have some 50 cars as well as 20-25 fuel cell busses, to be operated by one or several
transit agencies, on California roads and highways.
Initially the cars will be operating on hydrogen - compressed gas or liquid - but later demonstration vehicles are expected to
switch to methanol. Other types of hydrogen carriers, such as gasoline, will be evaluated as well.
Project Started in Mid-1998
Operating the cars and busses in real-life situations will go a long way to help identify infrastructure issues and to prepare the
California market for these new fuels, a release said. The idea for this group started germinating about the middle of last year
during a visit by DaimlerChrysler's fuel cell chief, Dr. Ferdinand Panik, to the agency, a knowledgeable source told H&FCL.
The alliance was a closely guarded secret until about a month ago when first hints were dropped at the launch of the NECAR 4
in Washington, DC (H&FCL April 99).
"This unique partnership brings together all the key players that can help make fuel cell vehicles a reality," said DaimlerChrysler
co-chairman Robert Eaton. "Fuel cells will have a better chance to enter the marketplace more successfully and at less cost
because of the leadership and strong commitment these organizations are demonstrating today."
"There's no point in offering technology that sits unused on dealer lots. We must offer customers environmental solutions that are
affordable and convenient," added Ford chairman Bill Ford. "Fuel cell electric vehicles have great potential to offer future
families the same comfort as today's vehicles with zero emissions and increased fuel economy."
Unique and apparently a First in this context is the participation of the three oil companies. Arco, Shell and Texaco will explore
prospects for an appropriate, consumer-friendly infrastructure and will provide fuel for the vehicles.
dbb fuel cell engines Cuts Ribbon in "Historic Week"
Three days later, dbb fuel cell engines Corp. held open house for dozens of invited guests from the United States and abroad to
celebrate the opening of the company's second facility. Along with food and refreshments, the NECAR 4 and P2000 fuel cell
cars and one of Ballard's fuel cell busses were on hand for test rides.
Calling it a "historic week" in his brief welcoming speech, Dr. Ferdinand Panik, head of DaimlerChrysler's fuel cell project, said
"many of us would have never expected four years ago that today we would have six fuel cell buses operating in Chicago and
Vancouver without problems."
Said Panik, "Never before has such a partnership occurred where the auto industry, the oil industry and government have
partnered together to introduce a new technology." Departing from his prepared text, Panik said he "would like to welcome
especially our guests from Toyota."
Sources said Panik later urged a senior Toyota manager, Norihiko Nakamura, to join the new California group. Nakamura and
a Japanese colleague apparently had flown in from Japan to attend the ribbon cutting, along with another colleague, Shigeyuki
Kawatsu, as well as executives from Toyota's California operations in Torrance.
Contact: website www.drivingthefuture.org
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