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DVICE TV: The little fuel cell that could
Want to see how cars might run 20 years from now? Look no further than Corgi's H2Go, a toy car that runs on the most common gas in the universe: hydrogen. That's right, this tiny remote-control vehicle runs on an hydrogen fuel cell, a technology that's so far been elusive to automakers the world over. A solar-powered refueling station creates H2 from water, making the whole system as green as can be. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy about the future, doesn't it?
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Editor: Peter Pachal
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By Afterburner909 at 4:16 AM ON 02/22/08
It's cool to make a toy that can teach kids about alt. fuel sources, environment, etc. The only problem was she's cute but I had to keep rewinding, that goofy top was distracting me.
By Uilleam at 1:57 PM ON 02/22/08
That is the coolest thing. I want one. I wonder how that compares to fuel cells for automobiles? Same principle? If not, could it be adapted? Neat stuff.
By kakashi1992 at 1:51 PM ON 02/23/08
The reason why they don't put hydrogen fuel cells in reals cars is because they are highly explosive, and a car crash could be akin to detonating a bomb at the highway.
By Mike at 9:16 AM ON 02/24/08
Gasoline is almost as explosive, and back in the 80's they used to use saddle tanks in pickups. These things would put almost 20 gallons of gas on the road when broadsided, Hydrogen rises, so the danger is about the same.
By Diablo943 at 1:05 PM ON 02/24/08
Actually the danger of hydrogen as a vehicle fuel source is very low. As a gas, it rises above the accident largely dissipating before it ignites and doing much less damage than gasoline that spills and spread and when it burns its heat and damage rises up through the accident.
The major drawback to using hydrogen as a fuel for vehicles is that there isn't a widespread distribution system currently and most large-scale production of H2 is very energy intensive since it has fossil fuel origins. The local solar production model is one that I have been advocating for almost 20 years. Nice to see a toy maker adopting it.
By kashira at 10:30 AM ON 02/28/08
What about the danger of stumbling upon the interviewer wearing that ugly blouse? She is very pretty but needs a lesson in style. Besides, how can you look at the tech when she is standing there?
By AlPerrin at 4:29 PM ON 02/28/08
Greate article! Great website!
I can't help but reflect on the fact that energy storage is one of our greatest challenges. I wonder what other applications fuel cell technology could be used for. (IE: could they replace lead acid batteries for cars?)
By AlPerrin at 4:30 PM ON 02/28/08
Greate article! Great website!
I can't help but reflect on the fact that energy storage is one of our greatest challenges. I wonder what other applications fuel cell technology could be used for. (IE: could they replace lead acid batteries for cars?)
By Sr Edgardo at 3:17 AM ON 03/02/08
I Love the Pretty ladies PUFFY sleeve blouse,
she made an excellant choice.
By R5D4 at 10:02 AM ON 03/03/08
GR8 TOY LETS SEE ON REAL LIVE CARS.
THE TECH IS HERE LETS DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By StupidIdiot at 11:18 AM ON 03/13/08
Solar-powered toy cars have been around for decades -- the only difference here is the use of hydrogen + fuel cell instead of rechargeable batteries.
Like rechargeable batteries, fuel cells degrade over time and eventually fail. To compare the approaches requires good estimates of cost and durability as well as the trends in cost and durability as the technology improves.