ROSEMEAD, Calif.-- Southern California Edison (SCE) is no stranger to electric power and the company will be expanding its knowledge with a DaimlerChrysler F-Cell in daily use. Today, SCE took possession of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered DaimlerChrysler F-Cell.

Since the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project kickoff in Washington, D.C., DaimlerChrysler has delivered nine fuel cell vehicles to customers in California and will continue to announce new customers in the near future. This aggressive effort shows the commitment DaimlerChrysler has made to zero-emission transportation.

Through daily use, the F-Cell will supply DaimlerChrysler and SCE with operational experience and technical data that will help improve the next generation of fuel cell vehicles. These working relationships with government agencies and the private sector are continuing proof that DaimlerChrysler is committed to fuel cell technology and Governor Schwarzenegger's Hydrogen Highway Network.

"DaimlerChrysler has invested over $1 billion in hydrogen fuel cell technology," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "We have the largest world wide fuel cell vehicle fleet on the road gaining valuable experience. This effort highlights our commitment to the pursuit of zero emission transportation."

The largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles in the world is managed by DaimlerChrysler. The SCE F-Cell is just one of more than 100 fuel cell vehicles DaimlerChrysler has put into service around the world. The data collected through vehicle operation will contribute to the DOE Hydrogen Learning Demonstration Project.

"Southern California Edison is proud to be associated with this leading fuel cell program," Ed Kjaer, Edison's manager of electric transportation, said. "We're looking forward to a long and productive working relationship with DaimlerChrysler."

The F-Cell is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler's leadership in fuel cell technology. 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. BP recently opened a hydrogen refueling station in Southfield, Michigan, with DTE Energy Company. Another station was opened in a cooperative effort between BP and Praxair at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen with a catalyst. This clean technology operates to a high level of efficiency and is true zero emission. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure water vapor as exhaust. DaimlerChrysler has been involved in this technology for more than 10 years. Fuel cell vehicles are part of DaimlerChrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which also includes exceptionally efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesels, alternative fuels and hybrid powertrain systems.