Great Britain, February 9, 2012

"UKH2Mobility"
Evaluate the Potential of Hydrogen

The new programme UKH2Mobility – of which Daimler is also a member - will evaluate the potential for hydrogen as a fuel for Ultra Low Carbon Vehicles in the UK before developing an action plan for an anticipated roll-out to consumers in 2014/15.

Manufacture of a small series of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL commenced in late 2009. With its 700-bar hydrogen tank in the sandwich floor unit, the first fuel cell passenger car from Mercedes-Benz to be produced under series conditions attains an operating range of around 400 kilometers.

There are 13 industry participants - including Daimler - in UKH2Mobility together with three UK Government Departments – The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, The Department for Transport and the Department for Energy and Climate Change. All of the participants have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to agree to share their knowledge and expertise.

UKH2Mobility will deliver its evaluation of the potential of hydrogen as a transport fuel by the end of 2012. If the results are positive, an action plan will be developed to work through the steps needed to get the UK ready to be one of the first markets for the global commercial roll out of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles.

When used as fuel in fuel-cell systems it does not produce any carbon emissions (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, unburned hydrocarbons or particulates). Therefore, using hydrogen will contribute to the improvement of air quality and the reduction of CO₂.