In an important step forward for fuel cell electric vehicles, California Governor Gray Davis and industry leaders today announced a fuel cell vehicle partnership that will demonstrate clean transportation technology on California's roadways in the future. The Partnership will advance a new automobile technology on the path toward practical, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions for California and the rest of the world.
Fuel cells create their own electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
Fuel cell vehicles offer zero or near-zero emissions with the driving range of conventional vehicles, along with higher fuel efficiency. The partners encourage other automotive manufacturers and energy providers to join the project. The Partnership will place about 50 fuel cell vehicles on the road between 2000 and 2003. Ford and DaimlerChrysler will each initially provide five fuel cell passenger cars by 2001. The Partnership will work with California transit agencies to demonstrate 20 fuel cell buses.