Fuel cell engine maker Xcellsis joins California Fuel Cell Partnership

provided by Xcellsis Fuel Cell Engines Inc.

cellsis, a leading developer and manufacturer of fuel cell engines, has been selected as the newest member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP). The Partnership is a voluntary alliance of automakers, energy companies, and state and federal government organizations working to demonstrate and promote awareness of fuel cell vehicle technology.

Dr. Ferdinand Panik, Xcellsis President and CEO, said the selection of Xcellsis as a full partner in the CaFCP is significant in that it recognizes the company's ongoing success in designing fuel cell engines and demonstrating their effectiveness in automotive and transit bus applications. "The California Fuel Cell Partnership is leading the way in proving that fuel cell-powered cars and buses represent the future of zero-emission transportation, and we are honored to be joining them in this important initiative," said Dr. Panik. "Xcellsis continues to make great progress in the development of fuel cell engines, and we believe that our experience and enthusiasm will benefit the Partnership and ultimately help shape the future of transportation."

Xcellsis fuel cell engines powered seven of the twelve vehicles featured at the recent CaFCP Grand Opening Ceremony, held on November 1 in Sacramento, CA. The latest Xcellsis passenger car engine, a 75-kW hydrogen-fueled engine, was demonstrated in the new DaimlerChrysler Necar and Ford Focus FCV. The engine incorporates Ballard Power Systems' Mark 9 fuel cell stack and represents a key milestone in Xcellsis' advanced hydrogen engine development program. Limited production of Xcellsis advanced hydrogen engines is slated to begin in late 2003/early 2004.

Xcellsis heavy-duty fuel cell engines were also featured in the transit buses present at the CaFCP ceremony. The hydrogen-fueled ZEbus (Zero Emission Bus) was the first demonstration vehicle delivered to the CaFCP. The vehicle is powered by a Phase 4 205-kW hydrogen-fueled engine and is currently participating in a one-year testing program at Sunline Transit Agency in Thousand Palms, California. Xcellsis Phase 5 heavy-duty fuel cell engines will be in operation in 30 EvoBus Citaros starting in early 2003 in 10 cities in Western Europe. Xcellsis is also looking to supply engines for the CaFCP's bus program, which will feature 20 North American fuel cell buses operating at Sunline Transit and AC Transit (Oakland, CA) starting in 2003.

The California Fuel Cell Partnership - which formally began in April 1999 includes auto manufacturers (DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen and now GM and Toyota); energy providers (BP, Shell, and Texaco); fuel cell companies (Ballard Power Systems and International Fuel Cells); and government agencies (the California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, South Coast Air Quality Management District, US Department of Energy, and US Department of Transportation).

Founded in 1997, Xcellsis develops and manufactures hydrogen- and methanol-fueled fuel cell engines for the transportation industry. The company is the result of a partnership between DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, and Ballard Power Systems. Reflecting the international nature of the partnership, Xcellsis has operations in Germany, Canada, and the United States. Xcellsis-Abern, located near Stuttgart, Germany, is the company's headquarters and is responsible for developing and manufacturing light-duty fuel cell engines and fuel reformer technology. Xcellsis-Vancouver is responsible for developing and manufacturing heavy-duty fuel cell engines for the transit bus industry. Xcellsis-San Diego is responsible for developing and manufacturing light-duty fuel cell engines for the automobile industry and auxiliary power units for on-board vehicle power supply.