Intelligent Energy shows the ENV fuel-cell motorcycle prototype

The second generation of the world's first patented fuel cell / electric hybrid maxi-scooter was unveiled at the San Antonio Fuel Cell Seminar in Texas last November (2004) and is targeted for launch in select European and US cities within the next three years. The VX-FCe integrates a 500 watt fuel cell system into Vectrix's existing high performance battery-powered electric maxi-scooter. The fuel cell system continuously charges the batteries which in turn provide power to drive the motor. The fuel cell more than doubles the range of the scooter and frees it from the constraints of charging from a fixed power outlet.

The VX-FCe boasts a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h), rapid acceleration 0-50 mph (80 km/h) in 6.8 seconds and a range of up to 150 miles (240 km). The patented throttle activated regenerative braking system further extends the range of the VX-FCe by directing energy back into the battery pack that would otherwise be lost in braking.

Accordingly, Vectrix's hybrid is probably the best performing prototype on the market at this point, though in all fairness, prototype claims can be very adventurous and both Yamaha and Honda, have yet to put figures forward for their machinery and they have far more experience with mass production for the world's motorcycle markets and will, in their eyes, be defending their territory when these products finally reach market.

The ENV (Emissions Neutral Vehicle)

The ENV (Emissions Neutral Vehicle) bike was designed to Intelligent Energy's brief by a British team, led by leading UK design house Seymourpowell. Last year Seymourpowell was cited as Britain's sixth most important cultural movers and shakers in a BBC poll and one of the world's most celebrated product design consultancies with a client list including Ford, Nokia, Jaguar, BMW, Minolta, Yamaha, Hewlett-Packard and Casio.

ENV is lightweight, has no gears and although the makers define it as a motorbike, although it feels to riders more like a very quick and responsive mountain bike. It is also virtually silent and has no emissions. The bike's primary frame and swinging arm are made from hollow-cast aircraft grade aluminium.

Intelligent Energy's vision of the future

The ENV bike is fully-functioning and has been based around Intelligent Energy's CORE fuel cell. The CORE, which is completely detachable from the bike, is a compact and efficient fuel cell, capable of powering anything from a motorboat to a small domestic property.

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