Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[RIM continues its fuel cell streak, applies for two more patents]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/rim-applies-for-two-new-fuel-cell-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/rim-applies-for-two-new-fuel-cell-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/rim-applies-for-two-new-fuel-cell-patents/#comments RIM continues its fuel cell streak, applies for two more patents

Looks like RIM is more interested in fuel cell technology than we thought: the BlackBerry maker has just applied for two closely related patents for including a fuel cell in an electronic device, one for the frame and one for the fuel tank itself. Although the primary aim of either patent is to show how to fit a fuel cell into the tight space of a mobile gadget, they do show a more rectangular and modern device chassis than the last patent we saw, which had more than a slight whiff of the classic BlackBerry about it. Neither application is necessarily a roadmap for the future, and they don't mean your next BlackBerry smartphone will need top-ups of lighter fluid or methanol every few weeks. Still, they hint that fuel cells are at least somewhat more than a passing fancy in Waterloo.

RIM continues its fuel cell streak, applies for two more patents originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlackBerrycellphonecellphonesFuel Cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellsmobilepostcrosspatentpatent applicationpatent filingPatentApplicationPatentFilingpatentsResearch In MotionResearchInMotionRIMsmartphonesmartphonesus patent and trademark officeUsPatentAndTrademarkOfficeUSPTOThu, 10 May 2012 22:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Brookstone fuel cell USB charger to keep phones powered for two weeks, Engadget editors happy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/brookstone-fuel-cell-usb-charger-lasts-two-weeks/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/brookstone-fuel-cell-usb-charger-lasts-two-weeks/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/brookstone-fuel-cell-usb-charger-lasts-two-weeks/#comments Image

If there's a pain that Engadget writers know all too well, it's running out of battery life for a smartphone when we need it most. Say, at a major trade show. That's why we're enthused to hear of an upcoming fuel cell USB charger that Lilliputian Systems is developing for Brookstone. The lighter fluid-filled tank should provide up to 14 full charges for your phone before you need to spend a few dollars to top up, or two weeks if you power up daily -- we'd call that about two CES' worth in our lingo. Better still, using a solid oxide membrane on silicon not only makes a long fuel cell runtime possible, longer than we've seen for methanol, but makes the phone-sized pack safe to carry on the airliners we ride entirely too often. Pricing has yet to be sorted out, but with Brookstone stores likely to start carrying the fuel cell before the end of the year, it should be ready just in time for our next big trip to Las Vegas.

Brookstone fuel cell USB charger to keep phones powered for two weeks, Engadget editors happy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 04:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery chargerbattery packBatteryChargerBatteryPackbrookstonechargerchargersFuel Cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellslighter fluidLighterFluidliliputian systemsLiliputianSystemsmethanolmobilepostcrosssmartphonesmartphonessolid oxidesolid oxide fuel cellsolid oxide fuel cellsSolidOxideSolidOxideFuelCellSolidOxideFuelCellsusbWed, 09 May 2012 04:41:00 EST<![CDATA[RIM gets funky, patents fuel cell manufacture for mobile devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/rim-patents-fuel-cell-manufacture-for-mobile-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/rim-patents-fuel-cell-manufacture-for-mobile-devices/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/rim-patents-fuel-cell-manufacture-for-mobile-devices/#comments RIM gets funky, patents fuel cell manufacture for mobile devicesIf the engineers in Waterloo have their way, your future mobile handset may be able to recharge itself on-the-go with the help of fuel cells. A new patent from RIM describes a method of manufacture that sandwiches a fuel cell assembly between the keyboard and printed circuit board, wherein the fuel cell ventilates through the keyboard (and likely, channels in the keys themselves). The claims describe the PCB as being formed on the fuel cell -- perhaps in effort to reduce size -- to which a fuel tank is then located beneath the printed circuit board. It seems that users will be able to initiate the fuel cell assembly in some manner, as the claims also describe a conductive, metallic plunger on at least one of the keys that's able to fit through a hole within the fuel cell. One omission we've spotted right off the bat is a lack of description of how the fuel tank is filled, so perhaps we'll learn that tidbit another day.

RIM gets funky, patents fuel cell manufacture for mobile devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryfuel cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellsmobilepostminipatentpatentspowerresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsmartphonesmartphonesWed, 14 Mar 2012 20:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes slaps sheet of LEDs on the side of an F-Cell, turns car into a chameleon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/04/mercedes-f-cell-gets-led-camouflage/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/04/mercedes-f-cell-gets-led-camouflage/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/04/mercedes-f-cell-gets-led-camouflage/#comments Mercedes F-Cell gets LED camouflageIt's not often that folks want to hide the fact that they're driving a Mercedes, what with plenty of them being among of the finest motorcars on the road. However, as part of a marketing plan to call attention to its zero-emissions F-Cell model, the German marque swathed a side of one in LEDs to give it the ultimate in camouflage. You see, in addition to that makeshift display, a Canon 5D Mark II was mounted on the other side of the car so that video of its surroundings could be shown on the LED bodywork -- rendering the car all but invisible to onlookers, as long as they're staring at the left side, of course. Go ahead, head on down to see the magic of digital camo for yourself in the video after the break.

Continue reading Mercedes slaps sheet of LEDs on the side of an F-Cell, turns car into a chameleon

Mercedes slaps sheet of LEDs on the side of an F-Cell, turns car into a chameleon originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camouflagecanonCanon 5D Mark IICanon5dMarkIif cellf-cellFCellfuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellinvisibleledledsmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzvideoSun, 04 Mar 2012 19:12:00 EST<![CDATA[SiGNa Chemistry sodium silicide might power your next fuel cell]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/signa-chemistry-sodium-silicide-might-power-your-next-fuel-cell/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/signa-chemistry-sodium-silicide-might-power-your-next-fuel-cell/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/signa-chemistry-sodium-silicide-might-power-your-next-fuel-cell/#comments
We've been promised portable fuel cells for years, but tech from SiGNa Chemistry might have a real shot at taking the concept mainstream. Instead of the more commonly used methanol, the outfit serves up a sodium silicide mix which it's begun licensing to companies bearing the "SiGNa fueled" logo. One example is PowerTrekk that first went on sale in Europe last December and is now making its way to the US this spring. The special salt concoction comes packaged into 5Wh hockey puck cartridges -- appropriately called Pukks -- to generate power and subsequently juice whatever device you plug into it over USB. It'll ship stateside in May for around $200, replete with an onboard 5Wh lithium-ion battery which acts as a rechargeable buffer, ensuring you'll still have some juice even after you run out of cartridges. Catch the power generating tech in a video after the break.

Gallery: Hands-on with SiGNa Chemistry and PowerTrekk

Continue reading SiGNa Chemistry sodium silicide might power your next fuel cell

SiGNa Chemistry sodium silicide might power your next fuel cell originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012fuel cellFuelCellhands-onhydrogenpowertrekksigna chemistrySignaChemistrysodium silicideSodiumSilicidevideoTue, 10 Jan 2012 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony demos paper-fueled battery; Paper Mario runs for life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/sony-demos-paper-fueled-battery-paper-mario-runs-for-life/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/sony-demos-paper-fueled-battery-paper-mario-runs-for-life/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/sony-demos-paper-fueled-battery-paper-mario-runs-for-life/#comments Remember Sony's sugar high from a few years back? Sony has been trying to get electric results from glucose-based batteries for some time. But with the competition showing off cool concepts like Coke-powered phones, Sony's Bio Battery program brought its latest development to Eco-Products 2011 in Tokyo. This info just might be worth the paper it's printed on because, well, the battery runs on paper. By using the enzyme cellulase, the device can break down the glucose from cellulose-rich paper or cardboard, which generates enough energy to run a small fan. It's not quite ready for prime time, but given the potential of easily turning junk mail into electricity at a more portable scale, this is certainly worth a continued look.

Sony demos paper-fueled battery; Paper Mario runs for life originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybio batterybio electricBioBatteryBioElectriceco productsEco-ProductsEco-Products 2011Eco-products2011EcoProductsfuel cellFuelCellglucoseglucose batteryGlucoseBatterygreen batteryGreenBatteryjapanpaperpaper batteryPaperBatterysonysony batterysony bio batterySonyBatterySonyBioBatterysugarsugar batterySugarBatterytokyoSun, 18 Dec 2011 15:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/toyota-fcv-r-concept-brings-fuel-cell-cars-closer-to-reality-ai/#comments Amongst the many concept EVs we've seen at the Tokyo Motor Show this week, Toyota thinks that fuel cell vehicles still have a chance. Hence the above cool-looking FCV-R, an actual functional hydrogen car featuring a multi-LCD panel dashboard along with a driving range of around 700km or 435 miles. Alas, interested buyers will have to wait until around 2015 before Toyota launches its first fuel cell car, which is currently projected to cost around $125,000. And of course, there's no saying on whether hydrogen fuel stations will be widely available across the nation by then. For now though, you can take a closer look at the FCV-R in our video after the break.

Gallery: Toyota FCV-R hands-on

Continue reading Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch

Toyota FCV-R concept brings fuel cell cars closer to reality, aiming for 2015 launch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz is certainly no stranger to hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, and it looks like the automaker is now about to show off its latest concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. That's dubbed the F125! (apparently pronounced F one twenty FIVE), and it promises a top speed of 137 miles per hour, 0 to 62 in 4.9 seconds, and 100 kilometers on 0.79 kilograms of hydrogen (or 621 miles on a full tank). Apparently, the concept is also intended to demonstrate the design direction for 2025 CL-Class, although there's no indication as of yet that Mercedes-Benz plans to put a hydrogen-powered CL-Class into production. Hit the links below for a few more shots that have leaked out ahead of the show.

Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-powered F125! concept slips out ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept vehicleConceptVehiclefrankfurtfrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowfuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellmbmercedesmercedes-benzMon, 12 Sep 2011 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: 9/11 Memorial designs, an electric helicopter and laser headlights]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-9-11-memorial-designs-an-electric-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-9-11-memorial-designs-an-electric-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/inhabitats-week-in-green-9-11-memorial-designs-an-electric-he/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Today a day of reflection dawns in New York as the city recognizes the ten-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks with the official unveiling of the National 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. Tranquil though the memorial may be, it has had a tumultuous past - this week we showcased seven unrealized designs for the WTC site that will never see the light of day, and we took a look at what happened to Daniel Libeskind's original plans for the WTC Freedom Tower. We also saw green buildings soar as Sydney unveiled Australia's greenest office tower, we learned that the new Batman movie may be filmed in a salt mine in Transylvania, and we spotted an amazing replica of the Trump Tower built from 65,000 LEGO bricks.

It was also a record-breaking week for green transportation as the world's first manned electric helicopter took flight and scientists developed the world's tiniest electric motor. Meanwhile, pedal-powered transportation got a major boost as Hertz launched an electric bike rental program in London and Silverback unveiled a series of bikes with built-in USB chargers for your gadgets. We also brought you the latest news from the Frankfurt Auto Show as Rimac teased the unveiling of its 1,000 horsepower electric supercar and Audi and BMW both unveiled vehicles endowed with ultra bright next-gen laser headlights.

Speaking of shining examples of green design, this week we brought you a first look at the Samsung Galaxy Skin concept phone, which features a flexible AMOLED display that can fold to fit inside your pocket. We also saw several inspiring ways to reduce waste as scientists worked on a fuel cell that generates power while cleaning up nuclear fallout, Think Geek brought us a clever set of Fridgeezoo icebox pets that encourage kids to save energy, and we looked at Sloan's innovative AQUS grey water toilet system that recycles your sink water. Finally, we brought you the state of the art in wearable tech as we reported that scientists developed a Terahertz "Invisibility Cloak" and researchers discovered a coral reef secret that could lead to sunscreen in a pill in five years.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: 9/11 Memorial designs, an electric helicopter and laser headlights originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco-friendlyenergyfuel cellFuelCellgalaxygalaxy skinGalaxySkingreenhertzinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreennynycsamsungskinsunscreenterahertztoiletwaterworld trade centerWorldTradeCenterwtcSun, 11 Sep 2011 21:04:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T becomes the first telco to use energy-efficient Bloom Box servers, will power 11 sites in California]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/atandt-becomes-the-first-telco-to-use-energy-efficient-bloom-box/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/atandt-becomes-the-first-telco-to-use-energy-efficient-bloom-box/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/atandt-becomes-the-first-telco-to-use-energy-efficient-bloom-box/#comments
Remember Bloom Energy servers, those low-cost, energy-efficient fuel cells born out of a scrapped NASA project? The company made a splashy debut last year, starting with a spot on 60 Minutes and a long list of early-adopting corporate heavyweights like FedEx, Walmart, Google, Coca-Cola, Staples, and eBay. Since then, we haven't heard much from the company, but today she's back -- AT&T says it will be the first telco to use these refrigerator-sized servers to power its operations. For now, the company's planning on using the technology to run 11 sites in California, a move AT&T says will cut its carbon dioxide emissions in half and virtually eliminate SOx, NOx, and other smog-forming particles. All told, its servers should produce 62 million kWh of power annually -- once all of these servers are fully up and running sometime in the middle of next year, that is. We say good on AT&T, though we'll really be stoked when these things start lighting up more average Joe homes.

Continue reading AT&T becomes the first telco to use energy-efficient Bloom Box servers, will power 11 sites in California

AT&T becomes the first telco to use energy-efficient Bloom Box servers, will power 11 sites in California originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATTBloom BoxBloom EnergyBloom energy serverBloomBoxBloomEnergyBloomEnergyServerclean energyCleanEnergyenergyenergy-efficientenvironmentalfuel cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellsgreengreen techgreen technologyGreenTechGreenTechnologyserverserversTue, 12 Jul 2011 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy tests bacteria-powered hydrogen fuel cell, could start monitoring your underwater fight club]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/navy-tests-bacteria-powered-hydrogen-fuel-cell-could-start-moni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/navy-tests-bacteria-powered-hydrogen-fuel-cell-could-start-moni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/navy-tests-bacteria-powered-hydrogen-fuel-cell-could-start-moni/#commentsMicrobial fuel cells aren't exactly new, but microbial fuel cells scouring the ocean floor? Now that's an initiative we can get behind. The Naval Research Laboratory is currently toying around with a so-called Zero Power Ballast Control off the coast of Thailand, presumably looking for treasures dropped from the speedboat of one "Alan Garner." Purportedly, the newfangled hydrogen fuel cell relies on bacteria to provide variable buoyancy, which allows an autonomous ocean sensor to move up and down water columns with little to no effort. Furthermore, it's able to get its energy from microbial metabolism (yeah, we're talking about hot air), and while it's mostly being used to measure things like temperature and pressure, it could be repurposed for more seirous tasks -- like mine detection. There's no clear word yet on when America's Navy will have access to this stuff, but if we had to guess, they've probably be using it behind our backs for the better part of a score.

[Image courtesy of U.S. Navy Reserve / Tom Boyd]

Navy tests bacteria-powered hydrogen fuel cell, could start monitoring your underwater fight club originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousBacteriabathythermographfuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellmilitaryNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyoceanocean sensorOceanSensorsciencesensorsensorsusus militaryusaUsMilitarywaterZero Power Ballast ControlZeroPowerBallastControlThu, 07 Jul 2011 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Carnegie Mellon researchers develop world's smallest biological fuel cell]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/carnegie-mellon-researchers-develop-worlds-smallest-biological/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/carnegie-mellon-researchers-develop-worlds-smallest-biological/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/carnegie-mellon-researchers-develop-worlds-smallest-biological/#commentsCars and other vehicles may be the first thing that springs to mind at the mention of fuel cells, but the technology can of course also be used for plenty of other devices big and small, and a team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are now looking to take them to a few new places that haven't been possible so far. To that end, they've developed what they claim is the world's smallest biological fuel cell, which is the size of a single human hair and "generates energy from the metabolism of bacteria on thin gold plates in micro-manufactured channels." That, they say, could make it ideal for use in places like deep ocean environments where batteries are impractical -- or possibly in electronic devices with some further refinements, where they could potentially store more energy than traditional batteries in the same space. The university's full press release is after the break.

Continue reading Carnegie Mellon researchers develop world's smallest biological fuel cell

Carnegie Mellon researchers develop world's smallest biological fuel cell originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biologicalbiological fuel cellBiologicalFuelCellbiologyCarnegie MellonCarnegie Mellon UniversityCarnegieMellonCarnegieMellonUniversitycmufuel cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellsTue, 21 Jun 2011 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz completes hydrogen-powered F-Cell World Drive, but had to bring its own fuel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/mercedes-benz-completes-hydrogen-powered-f-cell-world-drive-but/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/mercedes-benz-completes-hydrogen-powered-f-cell-world-drive-but/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/mercedes-benz-completes-hydrogen-powered-f-cell-world-drive-but/#comments At January's Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz eagerly showed off its hydrogen-powered F-Cell car, vowing to prove the viability of fuel-cell vehicles by driving three of them around the world. And now, 18,641 total miles later, it's completed that circumnavigation, arriving safely home at the company's Stuttgart headquarters. Does this prove fuel-cells are ready for prime time? Well, the trip took 70 driving days to cover four continents, and the vehicles' range topped out at just over 400 miles -- in Kazahkstan. But M-B admits there are only 200 refilling stations worldwide; in most cases the F-Cells had to rely on a tag-along mobile refueling unit. The company hopes its demonstration will spur development in a refilling-station infrastructure: having a fuel-cell car you can't easily refuel must feel like owning a flying DeLorean in 1885. To get the full breakdown, see the Mercedes-Benz PR after the break.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz completes hydrogen-powered F-Cell World Drive, but had to bring its own fuel

Mercedes-Benz completes hydrogen-powered F-Cell World Drive, but had to bring its own fuel originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-classeco-friendlyevf-cellfuel cellFuelCellgreenhydrogenhydrogen carHydrogenCarmbmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzSat, 04 Jun 2011 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Shell opens America's first pipelined hydrogen-fueling station in Southern California]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/shell-opens-americas-first-pipelined-hydrogen-fueling-station-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/shell-opens-americas-first-pipelined-hydrogen-fueling-station-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/shell-opens-americas-first-pipelined-hydrogen-fueling-station-i/#comments Residents of SoCal's Torrance should consider themselves lucky, as they're now living in America's first-ever city to have a pipelined hydrogen-fueling station. You can thank Shell and Toyota for picking up this government-funded green project. Sure, while the few other hydrogen stations still rely on delivery by supply truck (presumably running on diesel, ironically), this nevertheless marks a new milestone for our squeaky clean fuel, and it's only a matter of time before more stations get piped up to Air Products' hydrogen plants. If there's any indication of a time frame, Wired reminds us that 2015 should see the arrival of many new mass-market hydrogen cars from Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz. Not long to go now, fellow tree huggers.

Shell opens America's first pipelined hydrogen-fueling station in Southern California originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Air ProductsAirProductscarDepartment of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergyfuelfuel cellFuelCellfuelingfueling stationFuelingStationhydrogenhydrogen fuelhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelHydrogenFuelCellrefuelrefuelingrefueling stationRefuelingStationShellsocalSouth Coast Air Quality Management DistrictSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictsouthern californiaSouthernCaliforniastationTorranceToyotatransporttransportationvehicleWed, 11 May 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric Land Rover makes it way easier to sneak up on cowardly lions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/electric-land-rover-makes-it-way-easier-to-sneak-up-on-cowardly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/electric-land-rover-makes-it-way-easier-to-sneak-up-on-cowardly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/electric-land-rover-makes-it-way-easier-to-sneak-up-on-cowardly/#comments It's likely impossible to go on safari in Africa without having any environmental impact at all -- particularly on the ones where shooting things is involved -- but this is certainly a step in the right direction. Battery manufacturer Axeon has teamed up with Jaguar Land Rover South Africa to offer animal watchers / hunters a greener way to get around, outfitting the Defender 110 High Capacity Pick Up with a battery pack where the diesel engine usually goes. The new power source cuts out the car's emissions and silences the engine, making it easier to sneak up on wildlife. This concept vehicle (not Rover's first attempt to green things up) is debuting at the INDABA trade show this week in South Africa, so now would be the time to alert any antelope in your life.

Continue reading Electric Land Rover makes it way easier to sneak up on cowardly lions

Electric Land Rover makes it way easier to sneak up on cowardly lions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 22:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Many a future engineer was inspired by Back to the Future's Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, and not just because he proved that unkempt eccentrics could truly change the world. No, he also pioneered Mr. Fusion, the coffee maker/cold fusion reactor that turned garbage into energy. And while we're still waiting for cold fusion and time travel to become a reality, today we're all one step closer to waste-powered cars. A pair of Spanish engineers have recently unveiled the dAlH2Orean (see what they did there?), a R/C car that runs on aluminum. Dropping a few soda can tabs into a tank of sodium hydroxide produces enough hydrogen to power the little speedster for 40 minutes - at almost 20mph. Hit the video above to see it in action, along with your daily helping of the Chemical Brothers. Fitting.

RC car runs on soda can rings, Doc Brown approves (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aleix LlovetAleixLlovetaluminumBack to the FutureBackToTheFuturecarCleantechCleanTechnologydAlH20reandeloreanDIYdo it yourselfdo-it-yourselfDoItYourselffuel cellFuelCellgarbagegreenhfchfcshydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenCarHydrogenFuelCellMr. FusionMr.Fusionradio controlRadioControlrcrc carRcCarremote controlRemoteControlsodium hydroxideSodiumHydroxidewasteXavier SaluenaXavierSaluenaSun, 17 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[UK's first fuel cell-powered black cab hits the streets of London]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/uks-first-fuel-cell-powered-black-cab-hits-the-streets-of-londo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/uks-first-fuel-cell-powered-black-cab-hits-the-streets-of-londo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/uks-first-fuel-cell-powered-black-cab-hits-the-streets-of-londo/#comments
It may not look much different than your average black cab on the outside (decals aside), but it's quite a different story under the hood of this taxi, which has just been deemed road legal in the UK. Developed by Intelligent Energy, the cab actually includes both a fuel cell with a 30 kW net output and a 14 kWh lithium polymer battery pack, which combined promise to provide enough juice for a full day of operation -- along with a top speed of 81 MPH and acceleration from zero to sixty in fourteen seconds. Londoners won't be seeing them everywhere just yet, however, as the company only expects the first fleet to be ready sometime next year in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Continue reading UK's first fuel cell-powered black cab hits the streets of London

UK's first fuel cell-powered black cab hits the streets of London originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 06:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black cabBlackCabcabcabscarfuel cellFuelCellintelligent energyIntelligentEnergylondontaxitaxisukvehicleThu, 31 Mar 2011 06:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki Burgman fuel-cell scooter approved for EU public consumption]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/suzuki-burgman-fuel-cell-scooter-approved-for-eu-public-consumpt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/suzuki-burgman-fuel-cell-scooter-approved-for-eu-public-consumpt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/suzuki-burgman-fuel-cell-scooter-approved-for-eu-public-consumpt/#comments Battery power gets a lot of publicity these days, what with YikeBike and Yogo EVs tooling around. However, that doesn't mean other kinds of ecofriendly propulsion, like fuel cells, won't be part of our transportational future. Suzuki, for one, is betting on hydrogen power -- its Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter just became the first fuel cell vehicle to receive Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) from the UK's Department of Transport. Having the WVTA stamp of approval means that the scooter meets EU performance standards and can be sold in Europe -- setting it free to frolic hither and yon on the cobblestone streets of the old country. No word on plans to bring it to the US, but a boy can dream, can't he? PR's after the break.

Continue reading Suzuki Burgman fuel-cell scooter approved for EU public consumption

Suzuki Burgman fuel-cell scooter approved for EU public consumption originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burgmaneco friendlyeco-friendlyEcoFriendlyelectric scooterElectricScooterEscooterFuel CellFuelCellgreenscootersuzukiSuzuki Burgmansuzuki burgman fuel cellSuzukiBurgmanSuzukiBurgmanFuelCellThu, 10 Mar 2011 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Aquafairy AF-M3000 might finally make consumer fuel cell charging a disappointing reality (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/aquafairy-af-m3000-might-finally-make-consumer-fuel-cell-chargin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/aquafairy-af-m3000-might-finally-make-consumer-fuel-cell-chargin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/05/aquafairy-af-m3000-might-finally-make-consumer-fuel-cell-chargin/#commentsAquafairy AF-M3000 might finally make consumer fuel cell charging a disappointing reality (video) We've been promised portable fuel cells for ages, now. Ages! Finally one is only months away from release -- but its performance seems so limited we're not sure we care anymore. It's the Aquafairy AF-M3000 and, despite its name, it's powered not by water but by ethanol metal hydride fuel packs. Here's where the bad news comes in: a single fuel pack only provides enough current to get an iPhone up to a 50 percent charge, and it'll take 90 minutes at that. So, you'll need two cartridges and three hours of your time just to bring a dead mobile back to life, and given each pack costs around $6 (it's 2,625 yen, about $32 for a pack of five), the entire proposition is rather expensive. That doesn't even factor in the cost of the unit itself: 26,250 yen or about $320. It's set to ship in Japan in April, so get ready to finally enter the future. Nobody said it'd necessarily be a great place to be.

Update: We heard from Aquafairy, who confirmed that the solution is not ethanol, but is actual a solution of water and metal hydride. Also, the price is just for what are termed "test sales" and there are discounts if you buy a bunch. Maybe the future looks better if you buy in bulk.

Continue reading Aquafairy AF-M3000 might finally make consumer fuel cell charging a disappointing reality (video)

Aquafairy AF-M3000 might finally make consumer fuel cell charging a disappointing reality (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>af-m3000aquafairyfuel cellFuelCelljapanSat, 05 Mar 2011 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuel cells get stronger, potentially cheaper with graphene, ITO]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/fuel-cells-get-stronger-potentially-cheaper-with-graphene-ito/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/fuel-cells-get-stronger-potentially-cheaper-with-graphene-ito/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/16/fuel-cells-get-stronger-potentially-cheaper-with-graphene-ito/#comments As the sustainable Juggernaut of fuel cell vehicles (FCV) powers ever forward, a group of scientists are cooking up ways to make the alternative energy source more durable and even cheaper. By combining graphene -- think pencil lead -- and indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles, the team produced a catalytic material that is both stronger and more chemically active than the usual catalytic combo. Fuel cells typically use a chemical catalyst like platinum, sitting atop a base of black carbon or metal oxides, to break down oxygen and hydrogen gases, creating water in the process -- thing is, carbon is easily eroded by the resulting water, and metal oxides, while more stable, are less conductive. Using graphene -- which because of its porousness erodes less quickly -- in combination with the stable ITO and platinum nanoparticles, researchers have created what could be referred to as a super fuel cell -- a stronger, longer lasting, and potentially cheaper version of the alternative energy source. Unfortunately, without enough hydrogen filling stations, these super fuel cells won't come to anyone's rescue anytime soon.

Fuel cells get stronger, potentially cheaper with graphene, ITO originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catalystDepartment of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergydoeenergyfcvFuel Cellfuel cell vehiclesFuelCellFuelCellVehiclesgraphenehydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellindium tin oxideIndiumTinOxideITOnanotechnanotechnologyPacific Northwest National LaboratoryPacificNorthwestNationalLaboratoryprincetonrenewable energyRenewableEnergyWashington UniversityWashingtonUniversityWed, 16 Feb 2011 01:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Powertrekk charges gadgets over USB, using one fuel cell and one Li-ion battery (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/powertrekk-charges-gadgets-over-usb-using-one-fuel-cell-and-one/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/powertrekk-charges-gadgets-over-usb-using-one-fuel-cell-and-one/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/powertrekk-charges-gadgets-over-usb-using-one-fuel-cell-and-one/#comments Portable fuel cell chargers have been around for years, but each seems to have lasered in on a single important quality thus far, such as a reasonable price, an easy refilling scheme, and a decent amount of power -- but never all of the above. Well, it doesn't look like MyFC's Powertrekk is the full package either, but it does have a pretty sweet looking case, which holds not only a disposable sodium silicide container to generate the hydrogen gas (which then gets recombined with oxygen in a proton exchange membrane to produce 1000mAh of usable electricity) but also a 1600mAh lithium-ion battery which can provide up to one amp of juice. This way, you've got a backup battery if you misplace your cans of fairy dust, and a buffer for the fuel cell too, allowing you to keep those volts in powder or electrochemical form instead of carting around combustable hydrogen -- which is always a nice bonus when you think about it. Shame there's no word on price quite yet, but you can see how it all works in a video after the break.

Continue reading Powertrekk charges gadgets over USB, using one fuel cell and one Li-ion battery (video)

Powertrekk charges gadgets over USB, using one fuel cell and one Li-ion battery (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargerchargerschargingFuel Cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellshydrogenMyFCpowertrekksodium silicideSodiumSilicideUSBvideoSun, 13 Feb 2011 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes F-Cell World Drive gets off to an inauspicious start]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/06/mercedes-f-cell-world-drive-gets-off-to-an-inauspicious-start/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/06/mercedes-f-cell-world-drive-gets-off-to-an-inauspicious-start/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/06/mercedes-f-cell-world-drive-gets-off-to-an-inauspicious-start/#commentsMercedes F-Cell World Drive gets off to an inauspicious start Circling the globe on hydrogen power sounds like a bit of a challenge, what with the lack H2 pumps and all, but Mercedes-Benz set off to show that it could do just that -- with the help of a mobile filling station, natürlich. It's the F-Cell World Drive, and unfortunately, things got off to something of a bad start with two cars running out of fuel on the very first leg of the journey, one with Autoblog's Michael Harley at the wheel, no less. This first leg apparently began with a trip down an unrestricted bit of the Autobahn and, well, it seems the drivers of the cars decided to see what the little green B-Class F-Cells could do. The answer is 110mph, and of course moving along at this rate of speed did little for their range. The two cars came up 20km short of their first planned refueling stop, heavy right feet resulting in consumption of 1.5Kg of hydrogen per 100km distance -- roughly equivalent of 45mpg and way less than the 71mpg equivalent the cars usually manage. We're told day two, when drivers kept the speed to around 70mph, progressed much more smoothly, with both cars covering their expected legs without issue.

Mercedes F-Cell World Drive gets off to an inauspicious start originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogb-class f-cellB-classF-cellelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevf-cell world driveF-cellWorldDrivefcevfuel cellFuelCellgermanyhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellmercedesmercedes-benzSun, 06 Feb 2011 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai brings hydrogen vehicles to Europe, one free fleet at a time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/hyundai-brings-hydrogen-vehicles-to-europe-one-free-fleet-at-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/hyundai-brings-hydrogen-vehicles-to-europe-one-free-fleet-at-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/hyundai-brings-hydrogen-vehicles-to-europe-one-free-fleet-at-a/#comments Excited for the rise of hydrogen economies, but can't wait till 2015? If you work for the Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or Icelandic governments, you might get to see the future personally. Hyundai's signed a memorandum of understanding with the aforementioned four countries to deliver a test fleet of fuel cell electric vehicles, and the Nikkei Shimbun is reporting that the company will personally foot the (possibly quite reasonable) bill. Free hydrogen-powered SUV? Don't mind if we do!

Continue reading Hyundai brings hydrogen vehicles to Europe, one free fleet at a time

Hyundai brings hydrogen vehicles to Europe, one free fleet at a time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FCEVFuel Cellfuel cell vehiclesfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellsFuelCellVehicleshydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellHyundaiWed, 02 Feb 2011 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler says fuel cell vehicles will cost the same as diesel hybrids by 2015]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/daimler-says-fuel-cell-vehicles-will-cost-the-same-as-diesel-hyb/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/daimler-says-fuel-cell-vehicles-will-cost-the-same-as-diesel-hyb/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/daimler-says-fuel-cell-vehicles-will-cost-the-same-as-diesel-hyb/#comments It may currently you cost you $849 a month to lease a Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell (one of the few hyrodgen-fueled vehicles currently available to consumers), but Daimler says that cost will come down considerably in the next few years. Speaking with Automotive News, Daimler's Herbert Kohler said that by 2015 he expects a "fuel cell car will not cost more than a four-cylinder diesel hybrid that meets the Euro 6 emissions standard," which would seemingly place it in a race with Toyota and its promise of a $50,000 hydrogen-powered sedan. What's more, Kohler also said that he expects fuel cell vehicles to actually be cheaper than comparable electric vehicles within the next few years, and he said that Daimler is hoping to bring a "four-digit-number" of fuel cell vehicles to market by 2013 or 2014.

Daimler says fuel cell vehicles will cost the same as diesel hybrids by 2015 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarsdaimlerfuel cellFuelCellHerbert KohlerHerbertKohlerhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellmercedesmercedes-benzvehicleWed, 02 Feb 2011 03:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloom Electrons' pay-what-you-consume service thinks outside the Box]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/bloom-electrons-pay-what-you-consume-service-thinks-outside-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/bloom-electrons-pay-what-you-consume-service-thinks-outside-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/bloom-electrons-pay-what-you-consume-service-thinks-outside-the/#comments Bloom Energy's aptly-titled Bloom Box made a splash last year with much hooplah, bringing the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Colin Powell to its unveiling. But while the promise of efficient fuel cell technology is great for the eco-minded and even the long-term penny-pincher, the mid-to-high six-figure upfront cost limits the potential customer base to only the upper echelon of the environmentally conscious. Cue Bloom Electrons -- instead of paying for the Bloom Boxes and owning them outright, you can lease a 2MW installation for no money down and pay only for the electrons you use. A 10-year contract is required, which yes does put your smartphone commitment to shame, but Bloom hopes this Credit Suisse / Silicon Valley Bank-backed plan opens the door for educational institutions and non-profits to join in on the fun. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Bloom Electrons' pay-what-you-consume service thinks outside the Box

Bloom Electrons' pay-what-you-consume service thinks outside the Box originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloombloom boxbloom electronsbloom energyBloomBoxBloomElectronsBloomEnergycellconsumptioncredit suisseCreditSuisseelectronsenergyfuelfuel cellFuelCellpowersilicon valleysilicon valley bankSiliconValleySiliconValleyBankMon, 24 Jan 2011 10:14:00 EST<![CDATA[13 Japanese companies join to further fuel cell adoption, also plan to ride bikes together]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/13-japanese-companies-join-to-further-fuel-cell-adoption-also-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/13-japanese-companies-join-to-further-fuel-cell-adoption-also-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/13-japanese-companies-join-to-further-fuel-cell-adoption-also-p/#comments13 Japanese companies join to further fuel cell adoption, also plan to ride bikes together What's going to spin the tires in your car of the future? Will it even have tires? Right now it looks like either hydrogen fuel cells or pure EVs will be dominating the streets in a few decades, and thankfully they share enough technology for us to think they can peacefully co-exist -- just like Apple and Microsoft fanboys and girls have been known to host really great parties together where they engage in long, respectful discussions regarding their differing opinions. However, while EVs are already well on their way, for fuel cells to take off we're going to need more hydrogen filling stations and more cooperation between auto manufacturers. That's happening now in Japan, with 13 companies -- Toyota, Nissan, and Honda along with a number of gas and utilities companies -- joining forces to enable a "smooth domestic launch" of fuel cell vehicles as soon as 2015. They hope to create about 100 hydrogen stations across the country, work to form a broader hydrogen supply network, and also educate people about FCVs in general. We'll give them a head start by letting you know that stands for "Fuel Cell Vehicle," though they're also often called FCEVs, or "Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles." Bam! Two items off the to-do list.

Continue reading 13 Japanese companies join to further fuel cell adoption, also plan to ride bikes together

13 Japanese companies join to further fuel cell adoption, also plan to ride bikes together originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleElectricVehicleevfcevfcvfuel cellFuelCellhondahydrogenjapannissantoyotaSun, 16 Jan 2011 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes kicks off F-Cell World Drive, circumnavigating the globe on hydrogen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/mercedes-kicks-off-f-cell-world-drive-circumnavigating-the-glob/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/mercedes-kicks-off-f-cell-world-drive-circumnavigating-the-glob/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/mercedes-kicks-off-f-cell-world-drive-circumnavigating-the-glob/#commentsMercedes kicks off F-Cell World Drive, circumnavigating the globe on hydrogen Fuel cell-powered cars provide the efficiency and driveability of an electric vehicle while also offering the unlimited range of a traditional gasoline powered car -- assuming you can find a place to top off those hydrogen tanks. Right now that's a bit of a problem, but Mercedes Benz is out to show that it's not nearly as big of a hindrance as everyone makes it out to be. It'll be driving the B-Class F-Cell model around the world, starting in Stuttgart and motoring down to Lisbon, flying over to the US and driving across that, then across Australia before hopping a boat to Shanghai and driving all the way across Asia, ultimately arriving back to Stuttgart facing in the same direction they left. The B-Class F-Cell can cover 400km on a tank and can be refilled in about three minutes. At this point we have no reason to believe that either Ewan McGregor nor Charlie Boorman will be along for the ride, but given how well things went in Log Way Round perhaps that's for the best.

Mercedes kicks off F-Cell World Drive, circumnavigating the globe on hydrogen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-classdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowf-cellfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfuel cellFuelCellhydrogenmbmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenznaiasnaias 2011Naias2011Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:29:00 EST<![CDATA[FTA awards $16.6 million in grants for fuel cell bus research]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/fta-awards-16-6-million-in-grants-for-fuel-cell-bus-research/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/fta-awards-16-6-million-in-grants-for-fuel-cell-bus-research/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/fta-awards-16-6-million-in-grants-for-fuel-cell-bus-research/#comments
While we were jealously hung up on South Korea's working electric bus system, Christmas apparently came early for a couple of lucky US fuel cell bus research projects -- in the form of $16.6 million in Federal Transit Administration grants. Pasadena based Calstart snagged almost $10.2 million and will funnel 70 percent of the funds to developing the first phase of a low-cost, longer lasting fuel cell power system. Calstart will then spend its remaining $2.9 million in partnership with the Chicago Regional Transit Authority to develop and test the viability of fuel cell bus fleets in cold climates. The Center for Transportation and the Environment in Atlanta was the other project to hit the federal money gravy train. It received a hefty $6.4 million to spread across six different projects that dabble in everything from developing fast-charging 35-foot fuel cell buses, to similar lithium ion versions, to improving existing hybrid bus platforms. Federal pork for fuel cell DSLR development regrettably missed the cut. For the full scoop hit up the press release after the break.

Continue reading FTA awards $16.6 million in grants for fuel cell bus research

FTA awards $16.6 million in grants for fuel cell bus research originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>busCALSTARTChicago Regional Transit AuthorityChicagoRegionalTransitAuthorityfederal grantfederal grantsfederal transit administrationFederalGrantFederalGrantsFederalTransitAdministrationFTAFuel Cellfuel cell busfuel cell vehiclesfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellBusFuelCellsFuelCellVehiclesgrantgreenpublic transitpublic transportpublic transportationPublicTransitPublicTransportPublicTransportationutc powerUtcPowerFri, 31 Dec 2010 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Hornblower Hybrid ferry relies on eco-friendly trifecta: hydrogen, solar and wind power]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/hornblower-hybrid-ferry-relies-on-eco-friendly-trifecta-hydroge/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/hornblower-hybrid-ferry-relies-on-eco-friendly-trifecta-hydroge/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/hornblower-hybrid-ferry-relies-on-eco-friendly-trifecta-hydroge/#comments Plan on visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island via ferry next year? If so, pay close attention to the vessel you board, as it just might be the world's first to rely on hydrogen, solar and wind power for motorization. Currently, the New York Hornblower Hybrid (not to be confused with the San Francisco Hornblower Hybrid) is under construction in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and if all goes well, it'll reach completion in April. The 600-passenger boat be equipped with Tier 2 diesel engines, hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels and wind turbines, with power coming from a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that turns hydrogen into electricity. We're told that the diesel rigs will only kick in to cover "additional energy needs," but it's hard to say how often they'll actually be used. The eventual goal, however, is to do away with emissions altogether in the ferry process, and it seems that the technology is already capable of being scaled for use in other hybrid ferries, hybrid yachts and even hybrid tugs.

Continue reading Hornblower Hybrid ferry relies on eco-friendly trifecta: hydrogen, solar and wind power

Hornblower Hybrid ferry relies on eco-friendly trifecta: hydrogen, solar and wind power originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Derecktor ShipyardsDerecktorShipyardseco-friendlyferryfuel cellFuelCellgreenHornblower HybridHornblowerHybridhybridhybrid ferryHybridFerryHydrogenHydrogen fuelHydrogenFuelStatue CruisesStatueCruisesThu, 02 Dec 2010 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-fueled B-Class F-Cell gets priced at $849 a month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/mercedes-benzs-hydrogen-fueled-b-class-f-cell-gets-priced-at-8/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/mercedes-benzs-hydrogen-fueled-b-class-f-cell-gets-priced-at-8/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/mercedes-benzs-hydrogen-fueled-b-class-f-cell-gets-priced-at-8/#comments
It's unfortunately not the F800 Style "research vehicle" the company is working on, but those looking to avoid a hybrid or all-electric vehicle in favor of fuel cell technology can now place an order for Mercedes-Benz's new B-Class F-Cell vehicle. Those orders actually first opened up in October, but the automaker has only just recently revealed the actual cost to customers. That will be $849 a month on a lease-only basis, which may seem a tad high but does include both fuel and insurance (alright, so it's still high). As you might expect, however, the car won't exactly be widely available -- Mercedes-Benz says the first few will reach "selected" customers by the end of this year, with "at least 70 more" set to become available in the Los Angeles and San Francisco area by 2012. Full press release is after the break.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-fueled B-Class F-Cell gets priced at $849 a month

Mercedes-Benz's hydrogen-fueled B-Class F-Cell gets priced at $849 a month originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-classf-cellfuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzWed, 24 Nov 2010 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Signa's fuel cell-powered bicycle paints a rosy picture for drop-in power stations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/signas-fuel-cell-powered-bicycle-paints-a-rosy-picture-for-drop/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/signas-fuel-cell-powered-bicycle-paints-a-rosy-picture-for-drop/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/signas-fuel-cell-powered-bicycle-paints-a-rosy-picture-for-drop/#comments Here's a novel concept -- rather than rolling up to a recharge station in the year 2020, plugging your Volt in and reading the latest issue of Esquire while life passes you by, why not swap out a dead fuel cell for a fully rejuvenated one? We can't say for sure the idea will catch on, but it's certainly one that would save Earth-lovin' motorists an awful lot of time. A little-known outfit by the name of Signa is to thank, as the company's new fuel cell-powered bicycle operates using this scheme; riders simply pop in a recyclable 1.5 pound cartridge (where sodium silicide and water mix to create hydrogen power), toss on a pair of Ray-Bans and cruise for 20 to 30 miles. Once that runs out, you can either break out the pedal power or pop in a new cell -- given the right infrastructure, this could one day be as simple as stopping to refuel. In reality, this new bike is just a way to show off the company's technical aptitude, but we're told that it is actually going on sale next summer for an undisclosed amount. Dollars to donuts Floyd Landis already has one on pre-order.

Signa's fuel cell-powered bicycle paints a rosy picture for drop-in power stations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikee bikeEBikeeco-friendlyelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikefuel cellFuelCellgreenSignawaterThu, 07 Oct 2010 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: speed demon saws, emergency bras, and the pedal-powered monorail]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/inhabitats-week-in-green-speed-demon-saws-emergency-bras-and/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/inhabitats-week-in-green-speed-demon-saws-emergency-bras-and/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/inhabitats-week-in-green-speed-demon-saws-emergency-bras-and/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week China blazed a trail for green transportation as their newest train smashed the world record for high-speed rail travel. We also showcased a cutting edge vehicle powered by six circular saws and saw Google invest 1 million dollars in Shweeb's bicycle powered monorail - we can't wait to give it a spin!

We also saw big things brewing for alternative energy as wave power lit up the US energy grid for the first time and Stanford scientists unveiled a new type of nanotech solar cells that can produce ten times more electricity than standard PV's yet are thinner than a wavelength of light. Adobe also kept step with the latest in energy tech by upgrading its campus with a dozen Bloom Box fuel cells, and Volvo unveiled plans to create a new type of car body that doubles as a battery!

In other news, this week we spotted a great crop of green gadgets including an "emergency bra" that doubles as a gas mask, a flexible new type of electronic skin, and a stunning collection of recycled speaker art, fit to mount on your wall. We also rounded up our five favorite eco gadgets for guys and we ooh'd and aww'd at these incredibly detailed scooters made out of paper!

Inhabitat's Week in Green: speed demon saws, emergency bras, and the pedal-powered monorail originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryBloom BoxBloomBoxbraChinacircular sawCircularSawFuel Cellfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellshigh-speed railHigh-speedRailinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenmonorailnanotechpapercraftrailroadrecycled artRecycledArtsawsolar powerSolarPowertrainSun, 03 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First biofuel cell successfully implanted into living creature, living creature to be implanted into The Matrix]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/first-biofuel-cell-successfully-implanted-into-living-creature/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/first-biofuel-cell-successfully-implanted-into-living-creature/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/first-biofuel-cell-successfully-implanted-into-living-creature/#comments While miscreants are harvesting organs from unsuspecting tourists, researchers are busy harvesting energy from the human body. One promising tech that could power future generations of implanted medical devices is the Glucose BioFuel Cell (GBFC). In fact, a team of researchers have created the first known GBFC to function inside a living body -- 11 days inside "Ricky" the lab rat's peritoneum, to be exact. The small device produced 2 microwatts of power over several hours, achieving a peak energy density of 24.4 microwatts per milliliter. The study concludes that a larger GBFC could be used to power a standard pacemaker (requiring ten microwatts of sustained power) yet still be smaller than the batteries in use today. Co-author Serge Cosnier of the Université Joseph Fourier says that an improved GBFC could even power biosensors like the ones proposed for insulin pumps. Until that day arrives, click through for the before- and, um, organic after-implant pics. The fact that the rat's body had coated the GBFC device with tissue and newly grown blood vessels is proof that the body had accepted it for glucose and oxygen processing.

P.S. That's the Engadget Lolrat, not Ricky, pictured above. Ricky was apparently unharmed... this time.

Continue reading First biofuel cell successfully implanted into living creature, living creature to be implanted into The Matrix

First biofuel cell successfully implanted into living creature, living creature to be implanted into The Matrix originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybiofuel cellBiofuelCellexperimentfuel cellFuelCellgbfcglucoseGlucose BioFuel Cellglucose fuel cellGlucoseBiofuelCellGlucoseFuelCellinsulin pumpInsulinPumplab rateLabRateratSerge CosnierSergeCosnierFri, 17 Sep 2010 07:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: of pedal-powered submarines and soda-powered fuel cells]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-of-pedal-powered-submarines-and-soda/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-of-pedal-powered-submarines-and-soda/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-of-pedal-powered-submarines-and-soda/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week, California saw a tremendous boost for solar power as the nation's first solar thermal plant in two decades was approved for Kern County. We also saw several incredible new approaches to generating alternative energy as researchers took crucial steps towards tapping the skies for lightning power and scientists unveiled a fuel cell battery that can be powered by soda. And if you can barely contain yourself at the prospect of pop-powered batteries, relax -- a team of scientists is also working on using urine to create low-cost fuel cells.

This week we also watched green transportation take a plunge beneath the sea as French engineers unveiled an awesome pedal-powered submarine. Our neighbors to the north also broke news as students at the University of British Columbia embarked upon a record-setting trip across Canada in an electrified VW Beetle and three Canadian schools announced plans to create a car out of cannabis - hopefully it doesn't go up in smoke. Finally, we took a (sobering) look at the havoc that poor public transportation planning can wreak: a massive traffic jam in China that extended for more than 60 miles and 9 days.

Speaking of students, here are a few projects to get you energized for the coming school year: a German tank armory was recently transformed into an ultra-modern solar-powered school, and we showcased some of the world's most incredible student-built structures. In other news, we brought you two dispatches from the realm of wearable tech - a new energy-harvesting film that could wire your wardrobe and a line of clothing that lets you send and receive phone calls. Can you hear me now?

Inhabitat's Week in Green: of pedal-powered submarines and soda-powered fuel cells originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlecanadachinafuel cellFuelCellinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenkern countyKernCountypedalsodasolar thermalSolarThermalsubsubmarineurinevolkswavwvw beetleVwBeetleweek in greenWeekInGreenSun, 29 Aug 2010 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lung-inspired hydrogen fuel cell skimps on platinum, sees efficiency boost]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/lung-inspired-hydrogen-fuel-cell-skimps-on-platinum-sees-effici/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/lung-inspired-hydrogen-fuel-cell-skimps-on-platinum-sees-effici/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/lung-inspired-hydrogen-fuel-cell-skimps-on-platinum-sees-effici/#commentsFor as spectacular as hydrogen fuel cells are on paper, they haven't been able to replace combustion engines in vehicles. Or much of anything else, really. But thanks to Signe Kjelstrup at the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters in Oslo, the tried-and-true fuel cell is getting a serious boost. Kjelstrup's crew determined that by using less platinum in a cell, a substantial increase in efficiency and a significant decrease in cost could be achieved. The new design relies on an architecture that's "modeled on the bronchial structure of the lungs to supply hydrogen and oxygen gas to their respective electrodes," which is said to help "spread the gases more uniformly across the catalyst than current channel designs and provides a greater surface area so less platinum is needed." It's still early on in the discovery process, though, and there's certainly no solid word on when this will reach a point where widespread implementation is feasible. Seventh-generation Prius, perhaps?

Lung-inspired hydrogen fuel cell skimps on platinum, sees efficiency boost originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodyeco-friendlyenergyfuel cellFuelCellgreenhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCelllungosloplatinumpowerresearchscienceSigne KjelstrupSigneKjelstrupuniversityTue, 24 Aug 2010 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Horizon's Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices go up for pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/horizons-minipak-hydrofill-and-hydrostik-fuel-cell-devices-go/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/horizons-minipak-hydrofill-and-hydrostik-fuel-cell-devices-go/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/horizons-minipak-hydrofill-and-hydrostik-fuel-cell-devices-go/#comments We first learned of Horizon's most recent fuel cell-powered aspirations back at CES, but the company has been radio silent ever since. Well, until today. As of this very moment in time, a trio of alternative energy charging solutions are up for pre-order on the company's site, and while they promised that the family would be available by the end of 2010, it seems as if the first shipments will head out as early as next month. The Minipak -- described as a charging device that integrates a passive air-breathing fuel cell and a 'solid-state' hydrogen storage unit -- is up for pre-order at $99.99, while the monstrous Hydrofill water-to-hydrogen-to-power converter can also be claimed for $499.99. Last (but certainly not least), the Hydrostik can be reserved for a penny under a Hamilton. Go on, give that source link a look -- your angered AAs will peter out before they're able to take up arms, anyway.

[Thanks, Mitchell]

Horizon's Minipak, Hydrofill and Hydrostik fuel cell devices go up for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargechargerchargingfuel cellFuelCellhorizonHydroFILLhydrogenhydrogen stationHydrogenStationhydrostikMiniPAKThu, 22 Jul 2010 04:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Horizon MiniPak personal fuel cell charger hits shelves for $100]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/horizon-minipak-personal-fuel-cell-charger-hits-shelves-for-100/#comments
We first laid our eyes and hands on Horizon's MiniPak personal fuel cell charger back at CES and now it's finally available for purchase. Designed for charging portable electronics on the go, the MiniPak has two refillable cartridges, each with the juice equivalent of around 1,000 AA batteries. The MiniPak -- which uses Hydrogen to produce electricity -- isn't the first portable fuel cell, but it's certainly the cheapest. Check out our demo video from CES 2010 after the break. You can hit the source link if you're looking for a $99 fuel cell for your very own.

Continue reading Horizon MiniPak personal fuel cell charger hits shelves for $100

Horizon MiniPak personal fuel cell charger hits shelves for $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellFuelCellhorizonhorizon fuel cellHorizonFuelCellminipakpersonal fuel cellPersonalFuelCellWed, 16 Jun 2010 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai-Kia looking to beat Toyota in the automotive fuel cell price wars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/hyundai-kia-looking-to-beat-toyota-in-the-automotive-fuel-cell-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/hyundai-kia-looking-to-beat-toyota-in-the-automotive-fuel-cell-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/hyundai-kia-looking-to-beat-toyota-in-the-automotive-fuel-cell-p/#commentsKyundai-Kia looking to beat Toyota in the automotive fuel cell price wars When Toyota made clear its aim to release a hydrogen-powered fuel cell auto to the public in 2015 for $50,000, we asked the simple question of whether you'd buy that car for that much. The overwhelming answer was "heck no!" Hyundai-Kia is glad to hear it, and is taking this time to trump up its cheaper fuel cell technology. General Manager Byung Ki Ahn explains that his company's tech does not require an onboard compressor and contains less platinum in the catalysts than Toyota's, in theory meaning reduced cost and complexity. But, will that come at the expense of efficiency? Just what will Hyundai's alternative cost? And, most importantly, will its first fuel cell car look as good as good as the Genesis coupe, or will it just be the boring Borrego prototype above? These questions could be answered as soon as 2012, when the company hopes to get the first early models into the willing driveways of consumers.

Hyundai-Kia looking to beat Toyota in the automotive fuel cell price wars originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 04:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellhyundaihyundai-kiakiaTue, 08 Jun 2010 04:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Horizon's H-Cell 2.0 hydrogen fuel cell for R/C cars now shipping (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/horizons-h-cell-2-0-hydrogen-fuel-cell-for-r-c-cars-now-shippin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/horizons-h-cell-2-0-hydrogen-fuel-cell-for-r-c-cars-now-shippin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/25/horizons-h-cell-2-0-hydrogen-fuel-cell-for-r-c-cars-now-shippin/#commentsHorizon's H-Cell 2.0 hydrogen fuel cell for R/C cars now shiping You may have a hard time buying yourself a full-sized hydrogen-powered auto, but thanks to Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies you can at least get a 1:10 scale version. The company's H-Cell 2.0 fuel cell kit, unveiled back in February, is now shipping to forward-looking enthusiasts and comes with everything you need to mount it on a tiny boat, little plane, or R/C car (like the Tamiya TRF416 shown above). While Horizon indicates the cell will keep that car moving at 45mph for a full hour, an impressive figure, they still haven't told us another very important number: the cost. We do, however, have the full system specs just after the break, along with a demo video of the thing in action. It may not be as fast as your neighbor's nitro-powered beast, but what has he done for the environment lately?

Gallery: Horizon H-Cell 2.0 fuel cell

Continue reading Horizon's H-Cell 2.0 hydrogen fuel cell for R/C cars now shipping (video)

Horizon's H-Cell 2.0 hydrogen fuel cell for R/C cars now shipping (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 May 2010 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellFuelCellH-Cell 2.0H-cell2.0horizon fuel cell technologieshorizon H-Cell 2.0HorizonFuelCellTechnologiesHorizonH-cell2.0hydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellhydrostikradio controlledradio controlled carRadioControlledRadioControlledCarrc carRcCarvideoTue, 25 May 2010 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Would you buy a hydrogen-powered sedan in 2015 for $50,000?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/09/would-you-buy-a-hydrogen-powered-sedan-in-2015-for-50-000/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/09/would-you-buy-a-hydrogen-powered-sedan-in-2015-for-50-000/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/09/would-you-buy-a-hydrogen-powered-sedan-in-2015-for-50-000/#commentsWould you buy a hydrogen-powered sedan in 2015 for $50,000? That's the question Toyota is asking, announcing plans to release such a thing in that year for that price. That's more than twice as expensive as the company's current eco-chic offering, the Prius, but for greenies the advantages here are considerable: zero carbon emissions and a renewable fuel source. Toyota has been showing off its hydrogen-powered FCHV (pictured above) for quite some time now, but the initial model to hit dealers will instead be a sedan (presumably a luxury one at that price point) that would have a range comparable to gasoline models. Toyota hopes to actually make a profit on the car thanks to ever-decreasing fuel cell costs, a goal that the company did not achieve when the Prius initially hit the road and was sold at a loss. Of course, if the hydrogen distribution system in the US doesn't improve over the next five years then this thing will surely be a loser too.

Would you buy a hydrogen-powered sedan in 2015 for $50,000? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 May 2010 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcevfuel cellFuelCellgreenh2hydrogenhydrogen fuel cellhydrogen-poweredHydrogenFuelCelltoyotaSun, 09 May 2010 12:04:00 EST