We already have seen one story today coming from Japan about Fuel Cell technology and how that story was not too much to my liking. Now we have another story on the same fuel cell technology and it emanates from the continent of Europe. This story though is something that I have much rather hoped to see and it is this kind of technology that is going to make fuel cells the fuel of tomorrow’s world. I have always been a strong believer in this emission-free technology and I suppose its time will come sooner than later.
We’ve seen motorbike concepts powered by small fuel cells, but this is the first time that a full-scale commercial test of such technology has actually gotten off the ground. Such is the case for the Clear Air Bike, which is a joint venture between Masterflex and German bike maker Hawk. Supposedly, this cargobike can handle loads up to 150 kg and travel 250km on one fuel cell needing only 90 grams of hydrogen within a 2.2kg storage unit. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even enough energy left over to power secondary functions such as lighting or cooling for transporting temperature sensitive goods.
With a motor rated at 250 watts it’s exempt from European vehicle registration. Potential uses include postal delivery services, city cleaning divisions, and large industrial site transport and tourist applications. While that does not cover a very broad spectrum of market, it still is a pretty good start for the technology. I still would like to see it get integrated in complete fashion in normal bikes and cars a lot sooner that it actually is being done. While one does understand the limitation of this technology for the time being, it will only expand if pushed to expand. It is a bit of a paradox, but more usage will further this technology and improving it will encourage more usage!
