The Fuel Cell is the zero emission technology for the 21st century mobility: Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology have the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase the security of energy supply! Daimler pioneered FC vehicle development in 1994 with the first prototype “NECAR 1”.

The world’s first small-volume series of FC vehicles, the Mercedes A-Class “F-Cell” is in operation since 2002. This fleet of 60 vehicles demonstrates that automotive FC Technology is suitable for everyday operation. Daimler has also launched the world's most extensive series of practical tests for the fuel cell in cars, vans and regular service buses. About 100 FC vehicles are currently in everyday operation all over the world, providing valuable information for the ongoing research and development. This enables optimization of the vehicles and their components, the establishment of a hydrogen infrastructure and the acceptance of hydrogen technologies among drivers and passengers.

Daimler has a clearly defined FC strategy and technical roadmap towards the commercialization of FC Vehicles. With the development of advanced materials it is possible to achieve a commercially viable FC stack with today available technologies. For the realization of an acceptable cruising range 70 MPa-technology is necessary, which we consider the only commercially viable storage technology today and for the future.

The next step from demonstrating FC technology in demonstration fleets towards commercialization is to build-up Lighthouse Regions. The deployment of larger vehicle fleets along with an appropriate hydrogen infrastructure requires a coordinated approach including all stakeholders.