Rob Beschizza
Gear

Fuel Cell Kits for R/C Vehicles

I recently reviewed an R/C helicopter, and one of my biggest annoyances was the poor battery life. A charge lasted 15 minutes, tops, assuming the chopper was in full whirling-around-the-yard mode. Well, someone’s doing something about this shabby capacitative state of affairs: Horizon Fuel Cell, which makes (believe it or not!) fuel cells. Their H-cell […]

7122_13040740710_2
I recently reviewed an R/C helicopter, and one of my biggest annoyances was the poor battery life. A charge lasted 15 minutes, tops, assuming the chopper was in full whirling-around-the-yard mode. Well, someone's doing something about this shabby capacitative state of affairs: Horizon Fuel Cell, which makes (believe it or not!) fuel cells.

Their H-cell kit simply "drops in" as an upgrade to battery-electric R/C cars:

"It comes complete with a hydrogen fuel cell power unit and an adaptable, futuristic body shell. The heart of the kit combines an ultra-compact air-cooled, light emitting PEM fuel cell system, and a scaled down fuel storage system that can safely carry up to 30 liters of solid state hydrogen. With the H-cell, passionate hobbyists can transform their cars into futuristic looking, zero emission fuel cell power concept cars reaching speeds of 22 mph (35km/h), ultra-capacitor induced acceleration, and 4 times more power autonomy (60-70 minutes) over conventional rechargeable battery solutions."

This is the bleeding edge of consumer fuel-cellery, I suppose, and it'll cost ya $1,500. "Horizon is already working on making such solutions viable and economical.”

Fuel cell kit for Hobby R/C Cars [Gizmag]