Date:         Wed, 1 Nov 2000 10:29:07 -0800
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      Fuel Cell engine swap someday?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Volkswagen Unveils Its First Fuel-Cell Car At the Grand Opening of the
California Fuel Cell Partnership
 Volkswagen's Bora HyMotion - a new drive concept

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov 1, 2000 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Volkswagen, a
leader
in the development of environmentally friendly technologies in Europe and
across
the globe, showed the world its first fuel-cell car during the opening of
the
California Fuel Cell Partnership Headquarters in Sacramento, Calif.

Volkswagen calls the car the Bora HyMotion, which is designed as a genuine
"zero
emission vehicle." The Bora model is known as the Jetta in the U.S., the
top-selling European nameplate.

The HyMotion's engine uses an advanced fuel cell that transforms hydrogen
and
oxygen into electrical energy for the electric motor. The only by-product
from
this process is water vapor.

In the HyMotion, the fuel cell's engine works at the core of the car's drive
system, which allows it to run at a higher degree of efficiency than that of
a
typical combustion engine. Further, with this fuel cell system, the most
efficient operation is realized at mid throttle, which is the throttle range
used the most during driving.

The Bora HyMotion tank has a capacity of 50 litres of liquid hydrogen at
minus
253 degrees Celsius. This is an energy equal to 12 litres of petrol covering
a
range of about 350 kilometres. The electric motor operates quietly, without
vibration and ensures a pleasant and relaxed drive. The asynchronous
electric
motor has a power output of 75 kW and with 240 Nm of torque in a large
revving
range, the Bora accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds reaching a
top
speed of 140 km/h.

The unveiling of this prototype comes in conjunction with the celebration of
the
grand opening of the headquarters for the historic California Fuel Cell
Partnership, which was formed in April 1999 to pave the way for
demonstrating
fuel cell vehicles. Private companies and public agencies formed the
California
Fuel Cell Partnership to help advance this technology that promises
practical,
affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions for
California
and the world.

The Partnership includes auto manufacturers (DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Honda,
Hyundai, Nissan, Volkswagen, and soon GM and Toyota), energy providers (BP,
Shell, Texaco), fuel cell companies (Ballard Power Systems and International
Fuel Cells), and government agencies (the California Air Resources Board,
California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of
Transportation, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District).

Volkswagen has been a member of the "Fuel Cell Partnership" since October
1999.

As one of the world leaders in helping make the car industry an
environmentally
responsible one, Volkswagen is excited to be a part of this historic
consortium.
With the debut of its HyMotion prototype, Volkswagen hopes to further
demonstrate its commitment to the Fuel Cell Partnership and making fuel-cell
vehicles a reality and a success.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn
Hills,
Michigan. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in
Wolfsburg, Germany. The fourth-largest producer of passenger cars in the
world
and Europe's largest, the Volkswagen Group's annual sales approach 5 million
units. Volkswagen operates some 35 manufacturing facilities in 15 countries
across five continents. Brands in the Volkswagen Group include Volkswagen,
Audi,
Seat, Skoda, and most recently Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, and Bugatti.

In the U.S., Volkswagen has sold more than 12 million cars and has
consistently
been the top-selling European importer to the United States.

SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.