DaimlerChrysler announced it has delivered its first fuel cell-powered Citaro bus to the city of Madrid. According to the company, a total of 30 DaimlerChrysler fuel-cell buses, including two more in the Spanish capital, will go into service in 10 European cities this year, enabling DaimlerChrysler engineers to monitor the performance of their fuel-cell buses in demanding daily service. The goal is to test both the vehicles' engineering and the fuel infrastructure, as well as to test-market the technology's acceptance by the public. The city buses will also be in service in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Porto, Reykjavik, Stockholm and Stuttgart. The zero-emission and low-noise operation of the buses is a significant advantage in urban traffic. The initial trial of the Citaro fuel cell buses will run for two years, providing detailed information about the vehicle's performance and engineering, the fuel infrastructure and maintenance and servicing requirements. The company says the Citaro fuel-cell buses have a range of approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers), carry up to 70 passengers and can reach a top speed of about 50 mph (80 km/h). The fuel cell, which generates more than 200 kilowatts of power, is housed on the roof of the Citaro bus, along with the 5,000 psi (350 bar) hydrogen storage cylinders.
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