Highlighted by the placement of additional zero-emission fuel cell vehicles into fleet demonstration sites. More hydrogen fueling stations will be built to supply fuel for the vehicles.

The California Fuel Cell Partnership (www.cafcp.org) today announced its goals for 2004, highlighted by the placement of additional zero-emission fuel cell vehicles into fleet demonstration sites. More hydrogen fueling stations will be built to supply fuel for the vehicles.

"As fuel cell-powered cars and buses move into the hands of real-world users, we will gather extremely valuable operating data and lessons," said Firoz Rasul, Chairman of Ballard Power Systems and newly elected 2004 CaFCP Chair. "The collection of this data is an integral step in preparing these vehicles and the infrastructure for commercialization. All our members are committed to supporting these efforts so that everyone gains the benefits of the findings."

CaFCP's goals include:
* Facilitate member placement of FCVs (cars and buses) and fuel stations
* Promote fuel station/vehicle "common-fit" fueling protocols
* Train 100 community emergency response personnel
* Publish resource materials that will help members and California communities implement demonstration programs, including an updated Emergency Response Guide; Fuel Station
Implementation Resource; Codes and Standards Resource; and Hydrogen Vehicle Facilities Study
* Share information and experiences with fuel cell vehicle programs worldwide
* Conduct focused stakeholder outreach.

The partnership recently announced its plans for continuing its collaborative work through 2007. Over the next four years, its 30 members will work to facilitate the placement of up to 300 fuel cell vehicles in independent, fleet demonstration projects within the state, primarily focused in the greater Los Angeles area and the San Francisco-Sacramento region. Fuel cell buses will operate in regular passenger service in at least three transit districts.

Hydrogen stations will demonstrate early applications of hydrogen fueling technology while supporting the fleet projects. It is anticipated that, by closely coordinating operational procedures, all prototype fuel cell vehicles in fleet use will be able to utilize this growing network of fuel stations.

CaFCP members will also continue to promote the development of practical codes and standards for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fueling stations, and to help prepare local communities for the vehicles and fueling by training local officials, including emergency response personnel. Members will continue to expand public awareness through education and outreach activities, consistent with the pace of technology development.

About the CaFCP
The Partnership is a voluntary effort to advance a new automobile technology that could move the world toward practical and affordable environmental solutions. CaFCP is demonstrating fuel cell-powered electric vehicles under real day-to-day driving conditions; testing alternative fuels and demonstrating the viability of an alternative fuel infrastructure technology; exploring the path to commercialization; and increasing public awareness of fuel cell electric vehicles. The Partnership is working to facilitate placement of up to 300 fuel cell passenger cars and fuel cell buses on the road by the end of 2007. As of January 15th, 2004, 58 FCVs have participated in CaFCP demonstrations.

The Partnership -- which started in April 1999 -- includes auto manufacturers (DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen); energy providers (Air Products, BP, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, Methanex, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Praxair, Proton Energy Systems, Shell Hydrogen, Stuart Energy, and Ztek); technology companies (Ballard Power Systems and UTC Fuel Cells); government agencies (California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, South Coast AQMD, US Department of Energy, US Department of Transportation and US Environmental Protection Agency); and bus transit agencies (AC Transit, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, and SunLine Transit Agency).

CaFCP Fast Facts
* Vehicles participating in the project (2000-2003): 58 (55 cars, 3 buses)
* 41 FCVs are operating on California roads today
* Cumulative miles driven by these cars for CaFCP: over 145,300 miles
* Cumulative test riders/drivers: nearly 12,000
* CaFCP Hydrogen Fueling Stations: 2 (West Sacramento and Richmond)
* Fueling events: over 2,600
* 2004 Chair: Firoz Rasul, Chairman, Ballard Power Systems
* 2004 Vice Chair: Al Weverstad, Director, Mobile Emissions & Fuel Efficiency Team, General Motors
* Members: 30 (20 full, 10 associate)
* Members with current FCV fleet programs in place in California: Honda (Cities of LA and San Francisco) and Toyota (University of California at Davis and University of California at Irvine)
* Current level of "public awareness of fuel cells" in California: 40% (source: CaFCP annual survey, March 2003)