DaimlerChrysler and Ford Pursue Fuel Cell Infrastructure with Oil Groups

DaimlerChrysler and Ford, two of the world's largest automotive groups, are engaged in talks with oil giants British Petroleum, Texaco, and Exxon to establish a filling-station infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles. The two manufacturers, working in tandem on fuel cell technology, are urging the oil groups to install liquid methanol pumps and tanks for the first generation of fuel cell cars, which promise nearly zero emissions. By opting for a methanol-based infrastructure, DaimlerChrysler and Ford have signaled their preferred engineering route for manufacturing fuel cells.

Key Takeaways:

• DaimlerChrysler and Ford are in talks with British Petroleum, Texaco, and Exxon to develop a filling-station infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles.
• The two manufacturers are urging the oil groups to install liquid methanol pumps and tanks for the first generation of fuel cell cars, which promise nearly zero emissions.
• DaimlerChrysler and Ford have chosen methanol-based infrastructure as their preferred engineering route for manufacturing fuel cells, bypassing hydrogen as the primary fuel source.
• Fuel cells, first developed in the early 1990s, could replace existing combustion engine technology over the next half century.
• Despite some skepticism, DaimlerChrysler is committed to pursuing fuel cells, with plans to spend $500m over the next five years on the technology.
• The first markets where the methanol infrastructure is expected to be installed are the US, UK, and Germany.
• Ford is expected to disclose further details of its fuel cell strategy at an industry seminar in the UK this week.
• Several other leading carmakers, including General Motors, Toyota, and Honda, are also close to bringing fuel cells into production.

Statistics:

• $500m: The estimated amount DaimlerChrysler plans to spend on fuel cells over the next five years. (Source: DaimlerChrysler)
• $300m: The amount DaimlerChrysler has already spent on fuel cells. (Source: DaimlerChrysler)
• 2002: The year DaimlerChrysler expects to have a test fleet of fuel cell cars on the road in California. (Source: DaimlerChrysler)
• 2004: The year DaimlerChrysler plans to start production of fuel cell cars. (Source: DaimlerChrysler)
• 50 years: The projected timeline for fuel cells to replace existing combustion engine technology. (Source: DaimlerChrysler)

Sources:

• Financial Times Limited 1999.