http://www.esf.edu/newspubs/news/2006/09.25.hybridvan.htm

The Sprinter Van
9/25

SYRACUSE— Dr. Cornelius Murphy, Jr. president of the State University
College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) joined
Timothy S. Carey, president and chief executive officer, New York
Power Authority (NYPA) outside the college's Physical Plant Building
today to display the latest advancement in electric-drive technology,
the DaimlerChryslerplug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) Sprinter Van
concept vehicle.

"Under Governor George Pataki's leadership the Power Authority has
advanced a number of green initiatives. In the realm of
transportation, our electric transportation program is committed to
putting electric and hybrid electric-cars and buses on New York's
streets, and in government and our customers' fleets. Now we are
working with the Electric Power Research Institute and
DaimlerChrysler to pave the way for the next big thing in automotive
transportation—plug-in hybrids," said Carey.

"Today's demonstration of a new plug-in hybrid electric Sprinter Van
is another step forward toward a cleaner, greener world. Our students
at ESF made a great point with me, that we can't teach green without
going green. We are trying to lead by example as you can see by the
large number of alternative energy vehicles already in our fleet,"
said Murphy.

"DaimlerChrysler is the only manufacturer to build plug-in hybrid
vehicles to test with customers," said Nick Cappa, manager, Advanced
Technology Communications, DaimlerChrysler. "What we're learning from
this `proof of concept' fleet will apply to future hybrid powertrain
and battery technology."

"The plug-in Sprinter Van represents a significant step along a
series of important developments that will lead to commercializing
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles," said Robert Graham, manager,
Electric Transportation Program, Electric Power Research Institute
(EPRI). "Many of the technological advantages are clear—a vehicle
operating primarily on electricity is a cheaper ride, air emissions
are significantly lower and it reduces our reliance on imported oil."

Ongoing EPRI studies indicate that fleet applications offer the best
opportunity for the early demonstration of plug-in hybrids.

Today's unveiling is the first in Central New York and one of a
series of public events planned for New York State to highlight this
plug-in hybrid electric concept vehicle. NYPA has joined an alliance
created by EPRI, in cooperation with DaimlerChrysler, to demonstrate
PHEVs in various fleets around the country.

In 2006 and 2007, five prototype vehicles currently being tested in
Germany, will be brought to the United States under a federal waiver
and tested by customers for a three-year period. NYPA plans to
demonstrate one of these vehicles in the fleet of The New York Times.

PHEVs can operate in either an all-electric or hybrid mode. These
vehicles have larger batteries than standard non-plug-in hybrids,
which allow them to travel distances in the all-electric-only mode.
The Sprinter Van plug-in concept vehicle has an electric range of up
to 20 miles. On short urban routes, with lots of stop-and-go driving,
this vehicle may operate for most of the day in electric mode.

In the hybrid mode, the vehicle performs like a standard hybrid, with
significantly lower emissions and fuel consumption than conventional
diesel or gasoline vehicles.

SUNY-ESF has 34 alternative energy vehicles including bulldozers,
plow trucks, buses that run on bio-diesel, electric cars, GEM
vehicles, Toyota and Honda hybrids, and three flexible-fuel vehicles
that are E85 equipped.


NYPA is a recognized national leader in the promotion and
demonstration of electric drive technologies. In New York City, NYPA
worked with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to introduce
hybrid-electric buses. Over the last 10 years, NYPA has placed more
than 800 electric drive vehicles in service in its customer fleets.