This technology was demonstrated last year in the Necar 3, a modified Mercedes A- class. Fuel cell systems that derive hydrogen from gasoline and other commonly available fuels. The Jeep Commander represents a status report on gasoline conversion, which has proven more difficult than originally conceived when the former Chrysler Corporation announced its plans two years ago to develop the technology. Although methanol conversion is the most promising approach in the near term, development continues with the gasoline conversion process. While cost and weight issues still exist for batteries, they can be used to optimize a fuel cell powertrain by adding power and storing energy that is normally lost during braking.
Batteries can also help improve fuel efficiency.
When the Jeep Commander integrates Necar 3 fuel cell hardware later in 1999, a battery will be added to improve acceleration and response as well as to begin developing a control strategy for hybrid fuel cell powertrains. DaimlerChrysler is exploring fuel cells with and without batteries. If continued development allows a fuel cell system to warm up and be operational within one to two minutes, it would make sense to use a small battery. The battery would provide energy to warm the system as well as to propel the vehicle for the initial two minutes. If fuel cell warm up times are reduced to less than one minute, it would make sense to use a direct fuel approach, as that would decrease system complexity and weight.