Publication date: 24-Feb-2004
Source: Press Release: Octane Week

For those who like to keep track of numbers, here are a few worth noting: There are 41 fuel cell vehicles operating on California's roads today. While many claim the hydrogen economy is decades away, there are some 30 companies working now to bring that future to fruition.

Through their participation in the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), member companies are building the vehicles, supplying the hydrogen and constructing the infrastructure. The groups' efforts have produced a few more notable figures:

In total, there are 55 cars and 3 buses in the CaFCP;

Cumulative miles driven by these cars for CaFCP: over 145,300 miles

Number of test riders/drivers: nearly 12,000; and

Number of CaFCP hydrogen fueling stations: 2; and

Level of "public awareness of fuel cells" in California: 40%.

Two automakers have fuel cell vehicle fleets in the state, Honda, which has operating vehicles in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and Toyota, which has vehicles at the University of California at Davis and the University of California at Irvine.

The CaFCP's goals for 2004 will build on these successes. This year, the group aims to bring more zero-emission fuel cell vehicles into fleet demonstration programs and build additional hydrogen fueling stations.

"As fuel cell-powered cars and buses move into the hands of real-world users, we will gather extremely valuable operating data and lessons," said Firoz Rasul, chairman of Ballard Power Systems and newly elected 2004 CaFCP Chair. "All our members are committed to supporting these efforts so that everyone gains the benefits of the findings."

Over the next four years, CaFCP says its members will work to place up to 300 fuel cell vehicles in independent, fleet demonstration projects, primarily in Los Angeles and the San Francisco- Sacramento region. Fuel cell buses will operate in regular passenger service in at least three transit districts.

CaFCP anticipates that by coordinating procedures, all prototype fuel cell vehicles in use will be able to utilize the network of refueling stations. The group will continue to develop codes and standards for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations, and to help prepare local communities for the vehicles and fueling by training local officials, including emergency response personnel.

The Partnership, which started in April 1999, includes auto manufacturers DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen; energy providers Air Products, BP, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, Methanex, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Praxair, Proton Energy Systems, Shell Hydrogen, Stuart Energy, and Ztek; technology companies Ballard Power Systems and UTC Fuel Cells; government agencies California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, South Coast AQMD, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. EPA; and bus transit agencies AC Transit, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and SunLine Transit Agency.