http://ens-news.com/ens/oct2000/2000L-10-24-09.html
Jeep SUV Cuts Emissions, Boosts Fuel Efficiency AUBURN HILLS, Michigan, October 24, 2000 (ENS) - A new sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Jeep¨ Commander 2, uses an advanced fuel cell powertrain to cut emissions to almost zero while achieving double the fuel efficiency of a conventional SUV. "Commander 2's predecessor, the Jeep Commander, took the Jeep pledge to 'Tread Lightly!' on the environment very seriously. Commander 2 vows to tread even lighter," said Rich Schaum, executive vice president at DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "The hybrid drive system integrates an on board methanol reformer that produces near zero emissions in one of North America's fastest growing market segments - SUVs." The Commander 2 is powered by a fuel cell combined with dual front and rear electric motors and advanced batteries in a hybrid-electric fuel cell powertrain. Commander 2 has near zero tailpipe emissions and improves the average fuel efficiency by up to 12 miles per gallon (gasoline equivalent). "With the increasing popularity of SUVs, we believe boosting the fuel efficiency of a larger vehicle explores an area that is of interest to our customers," said Bernard Robertson, senior vice president at DaimlerChrysler. Commander 2 runs on electricity generated by the fuel cell, which is fueled by hydrogen from an on board methanol reformer. A nickel-metal-hydride battery provides supplemental energy during acceleration, while towing heavy payloads, and for cold starts, since fuel cell systems require warm up time. The battery captures energy during braking and helps improve fuel efficiency. To compensate for the additional weight and cost of the fuel cell system, the Jeep designers used injection molded thermoplastic for the SUV body. The plastic is almost 100 percent recyclable. -------------------------- eGroups Sponsor -------------------------~-~> eGroups eLerts It's Easy. It's Fun. Best of All, it's Free! http://click.egroups.com/1/9698/5/_/837408/_/972484115/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------_-> Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
