Today, DaimlerChrysler and Inergy Automotive Systems made another achievement in fuel cell technology. Inergy became the first Michigan F-Cell customer since the DOE Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project kickoff in Washington, D.C. Inergy will use the DaimlerChrysler F-Cell in daily use to provide further knowledge on operational capabilities and to help conduct research on hydrogen storage.

Daily use of the F-Cell will supply technical data that will help improve the next generation of fuel cell vehicles (FCV)s.

Inergy will refuel the F-Cell at the DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park in Southfield, Michigan, with a BP hydrogen dispenser. A community event at the Technology Park this Saturday, July 16th will give the public a chance to see how hydrogen is produced, stored and utilized. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see a UPS fuel cell-powered Sprinter Van and the Inergy F- Cell, both built by DaimlerChrysler.

The largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world is managed by DaimlerChrysler. The F-Cell delivered today is part of DaimlerChrysler's 100- plus fuel cell vehicle fleet that the Company has put into service around the world. The Inergy F-Cell also will contribute to the DOE Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project.

The entire fuel cell system is housed in the floor of the vehicle, leaving full use of the passenger and cargo spaces. It has a range of approximately 100 miles and a top speed of 85 mph. The electric motor develops 88 hp (65 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 14 seconds. The stack is developed by DaimlerChrysler's cooperation partner, Ballard Power Systems.

Through the DOE Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project, DaimlerChrysler will place more fuel cell vehicles in the hands of customers, who will provide valuable feedback about performance under different conditions. DaimlerChrysler is testing over 100 fuel cell vehicles under varying weather, traffic conditions and driving styles in different locations worldwide. This experience will benefit the development of the fuel cell automobile and how it will be refueled. BP is the energy partner of DaimlerChrysler in the project. The DTE Energy Hydrogen Technology Park is the first public hydrogen refueling station in Michigan.