DaimlerChrysler is to embark on a groundbreaking trial of fuel cell powered public transportation in which Australia will participate.

A world leader in alternative fuel research, DaimlerChrysler is conducting an extended field trial, NEFLEET (New Electric Fleet), involving 33 of its fuel cell powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro city buses.

The fleet is being equipped with the latest fuel cell technology and will be tested in 11 cities for a period of two years, commencing late in 2002. Each of the selected cities will purchase three of the award winning buses to take part in the trial, which has been endorsed by the United Nations Environment Program and the United Nations Industrial Development Program.

“I am pleased to say that Perth, Western Australia, is one of those cities to participate in the NEFLEET trial, which we believe will help to revolutionise drive technology. Importantly, for Australia, Perth is the only city outside Europe to have been selected,” said Ken Matthews, Managing Director, Commercial Vehicles Division, DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific Pty. Ltd.

“The Western Australian Minister for Transport, Murray Criddle, announced in Germany last week his government had formalised an arrangement with DaimlerChrysler that will see three of our fuel cell powered buses operating in Perth.”

Mr Criddle said Western Australia was embarking on a long-term strategy to build a public transport system based on hydrogen fuel cell technology, because it was recognised as having the best potential to combine zero emission with reliability.

Following the successful trial in 1999 of NEBUS (New Electric Bus), an earlier model fuel cell powered Mercedes-Benz bus, this international project is now the next step for DaimlerChrysler to enable the latest generation of fuel cell technology to be studied in a variety of climatic and topographical conditions.

Mr. Matthews said NEFLEET enables the general public, together with the fuel cell manufacturer, public transport authorities, and hydrogen and filling station producers to gain everyday experience with the most environmentally friendly drive technology known today.

“I’m sure the people of Perth will be more than pleased with the quality of ride they experience in the Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses being used in the trials. The technology offers an emission-free operation, minimum noise levels, smooth, rapid acceleration and a low-floor design with stepless entrances,” said Mr. Matthews.

“NEBUS visited Perth and Melbourne earlier this year on a demonstration tour. It provided industry and government officials with an opportunity to gain a better appreciation of the potential for fuel cell powered public transport. Without exception, those who rode in the bus were most impressed with its quietness and smooth acceleration.”

Mr. Matthews said having three vehicles operating in Perth is likely to focus the attention of Federal and State Governments on the on-going results of the NEFLEET trial and create further interest in the benefits offered by fuel cells.

DaimlerChrysler considers the fuel cell to have the potential to be the drive of the future and is investing around US$1 billion in its development over the next four years.

Fuel cell energy generated from hydrogen is the easiest to produce. It eliminates all carbon dioxide emissions and produces greater efficiencies than petrol, diesel or methanol. A hydrogen-powered fuel cell is the only way to achieve a true zero emission vehicle with an extended driving range.

Basically, the fuel cell works by bringing about a controlled reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. This reaction is simply electrolysis in reverse and the energy released is converted directly into electricity.

The hydrogen is able to pass through the fuel cell’s electrolyte in the form of positively charged ions (protons). It then combines with the oxygen in the air to form water, leaving behind negatively charged electrons. As a negative charge accumulates on one side of the electrolyte and a positive charge on the other, an electric voltage is generated for use in powering the bus. The whole system acts like a battery, but delivers its electric power only when needed.

The concept of using fuel cells was revitalised with the progress of energy technology for submarines, the Gemini space programs and the Apollo moon landings. Among the advantages of the fuel cell are: its high degree of efficiency, a complete lack of any pollutant emissions, low noise levels, no moving parts, and its modular design. This latter feature enables the output to be adjusted to the specific requirements of individual applications.

BP is to establish a hydrogen manufacturing plant in WA at its Kwinana refinery and will also establish Australia’s first hydrogen refuelling facility at a suburban bus depot for the Perth’s new buses.

Hydrogen can be manufactured from a variety of sources, including natural gas. BP will use the Perth and European trials to help develop an efficient, effective hydrogen supply network for the future.