TOPIC 'Fuel Cells' on Oct 02, 2008 (CEST)
China’s Fuel-Cell Inspired Bicycle
Shanghai Pearl, a relatively new Chinese company, has the jump on other manufacturers by way of being the first Chinese company to export bicycles that are powered by fuel cells. Established in 2006, the company is the first in China to produce and export an inexpensive mode of transportation powered by hydrogen fuel cells. They roll on two wheels and not four, for the time being, but they work and they will get you around town – in “green” style.
This environmentally friendly Chinese moped is set to go up against comparable versions from Germany and Britain. The Chinese “e-bikes” (electric bikes) promise the ability to ride farther distances and offer an easier method for recharging. Statistics show the Chinese moped can be ridden up to 50 miles with a 20-minute charge that will use 1.8 ounces of hydrogen. The 20-minute charge will cost a grand total of 29 cents. On fuel-cell e-bikes, the hydrogen unit is located under the seat and is convenient to reach. They also offer several options for re-charging the unit, including stopping along your travels as well as when you reach your destination.
In comparison, most of the e-bikes in the marketplace now use a lead acid battery. A lead acid battery for an e-bike takes between four and six hours to charge completely and 10 miles is the maximum extent of its journey. You can see why the hydrogen unit would be so popular and successful.
It is always important, too, from the consumer’s point of view, that the best product also comes with the best price. Shanghai Pearl is working on that and believes in time the price will be another asset. The company has a goal to produce 1,000 hydrogen-powered e-bikes by 2011. One of the snags that must be overcome in this market is the abundance of hydrogen refilling stations. As they increase around the world, so will the market for hydrogen-powered e-bikes and other newly developed forms of transportation.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
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