First 'green' Mercs in Singapore!

[DarkLord]

JULY 20, 2004

First 'green' Merc handed over for trials

 

NEA to test car that runs on hydrogen fuel in everyday traffic conditions

By Radha Basu ?

 

THE first vehicle in a small fleet of experimental, zero-pollution cars was handed over to the National Environment Agency (NEA) at the Botanic Gardens yesterday.

The Mercedes Benz fuel-cell car - built at a reported price tag of $1.8 million - runs on hydrogen, which combines with oxygen in the air to power the engine.

Along with energy, only water and steam are produced. Cars powered by conventional fuels such as petrol and diesel produce noxious fumes.

Six such cars, which have maximum speeds of 140kmh, will be based in Singapore, as part of a global DaimlerChrysler venture.

A total of 60 will be tested over two years in Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Berlin, in the largest project of its kind in the world.

Also launched yesterday, in Upper East Coast Road, was the first hydrogen-refuelling facility here.

Speaking at the launch, Environment Minister Lim Swee Say noted that 'besides offering greater convenience to vehicle operators, co-location with existing infrastructure could reduce upfront investment and lower operating cost'.

The facility, owned by British Petroleum (BP), is sited at a regular petrol kiosk. A second may be opened by the first quarter of next year.

NEA and four other project partners here - Lufthansa Airlines, tyre-maker Michelin, Conrad Centennial Singapore hotel and BP - will each get a fuel cell car.

The sixth will be used by DaimlerChrysler staff.

NEA chief executive officer Lam Joon Khoi told The Straits Times his officers would provide regular, practical insights on vehicle performance in everyday traffic conditions.

But it will be many years before ordinary Singaporeans will get to whizz about in hydrogen-powered cars, which have engines that now cost 10 times more than conventional ones.

DaimlerChrysler said it does not expect commercial roll-outs before 2010. Dr Andreas Truckenbrodt, who heads its fuel-cell research programme, said the use of platinum - one of the world's most expensive metals - in the fuel cell was driving up costs, but added that alternatives were being explored.

Yet siting the test-driving here is important. Mr Lim said it was important for Singapore to 'keep on pushing the frontiers of technology'.

'It is important that we get involved early to know about the technology and implementation issues, so that when the technology is ready for large-scale deployment, we can be one of the early adopters.'

Having driven the new car, he also said the engine was very smooth and quiet.

[Normal_aspirated]

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Aiyah, fuel cells cars is still a oil-tycoon's toy for now.

Poorman cannot afford it yet

Edited July 20, 2004 by Normal_aspirated

[DarkLord]

Yah manz! It's a sham by the gov again...

[Assassin]

It wont be a common sight on our roads so soon.

[DarkLord]

I don't dare to think about Singapore having these kind of cars sia... Imagine the cost! How to afford cars?

[Assassin]

That is why it is still on trial here. Petrol/diesel wont be phased out so fast unless resources are drastically low and large profits can no longer be generated from it.

[DarkLord]

Oh no!! That means they will tax more on electricity liaoz!! Even more revenue from there sia!

[Assassin]

There will always be ways to earn revenue. Its just a matter of how much revenue can be squeezed.

 

Green cars... it is a good and environmentally safe option, however, the manufacturers must find a way to lower their production cost to support the running of these fuels.

[Fcw75]

This car not practical la...I heard the news said '1 tank costs $50 and it will only cover 100km!

[DarkLord]

Since when SG gov believe in "being practical"? We are at the mercy of our leaders... Just wash neck clean clean and wait to be "chop carrot head"!