Mercedes-Benz A-Class Fuel Cell Vehicles Pass First Year of Testing

DaimlerChrysler Testing More than 100 Fuel Cell Vehicles Worldwide

Will the hydrogen fuel cell ever become a reality for everyday drivers? That's a question many concerned about the quality of

Mercedes-Benz has reported that its fleet of six A-Class cars running "F-Cell" hydrogen fuel cells have now been on Singapore's road for an entire year. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

our environment have asked, hoping that a technology that emits only water vapor can some day populate the highways and byways of the world.

Mercedes-Benz may be that much closer to this goal, however, having reported that its fleet of six A-Class cars running "F-Cell" hydrogen fuel cells have now been on Singapore's road for an entire year, and in so doing have held up well during daily use in extreme heat and humidity.

Mercedes-Benz chose Singapore because of its extreme weather conditions, and the need to test for long-term reliability. Tropical temperatures with high humidity levels place

UPS is testing fuel cell-equipped Sprinter vans within the delivery company's U.S. fleet. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

greater demand on a fuel cell's production of steam emissions, as well as on its cooling systems.

If you weren't aware, DaimlerChrysler undertook the largest trial of fuel cell vehicle of any automaker worldwide, in 2003. The test includes more than one hundred cars, vans and buses, used in various climates, hot and cold, around the world.

For instance, UPS is testing fuel cell-equipped Sprinter vans within its U.S. fleet, and 30 fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro city buses are in operation within ten European cities.