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New Jeep SUV Boasts Cleaner, Leaner Powertrain

The Jeep Commander 2, a new sport utility vehicle, uses an advanced fuel cell powertrain to cut emissions to almost zero while achieving double the fuel efficiency of a conventional SUV, according to DaimlerChrysler Corp.

The Jeep Commander 2, a new sport utility vehicle, uses an advanced fuel cell powertrain to cut emissions to almost zero while achieving double the fuel efficiency of a conventional SUV, according to DaimlerChrysler Corp.

Rich Schaum, DaimlerChrysler's executive vice president, said the Commander 2 will tread even lighter on the environment than its predecessor, the Jeep Commander.

"The (new) hybrid drive system integrates an onboard methanol reformer that produces near zero emissions in one of North America's fastest growing market segments –- SUVs," Schaum said.

The Commander 2 is powered by a fuel cell combined with dual front and rear electric motors and advanced batteries in a hybrid-electric fuel cell powertrain. Commander 2 has near-zero tailpipe emissions and improves the average fuel efficiency by up to 12 miles per gallon (gasoline equivalent).

The automaker said that Commander 2 runs on electricity generated by the fuel cell, which is fueled by hydrogen from an on board methanol reformer. A nickel-metal-hydride battery provides supplemental energy during acceleration, while towing heavy payloads, and for cold starts, since fuel cell systems require warm up time. The battery captures energy during braking and helps improve fuel efficiency.

To compensate for the additional weight and cost of the fuel cell system, the Jeep designers used injection molded thermoplastic for the SUV body. The plastic is almost 100% recyclable.

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