Fuel cells get personal

Published Dec 28, 2006

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Suzuki has applied fuel-cell technology to a wheelchair to overcome the range problem of normal battery power and is hoping customer interest will spur full production.

The fuel cell on the prototype Mio uses methanol as a fuel source to generate hydrogen and electricity. Its fuel tank holds four litres, enough to power it for 40km, and an LCD display shows fuel level and power source.

A large-capacity, lithium ion secondary battery stores the electricity generated and acts as a back-up power source.

The Mio has armrests that double as safety barriers, ergonomic handlebars that require minimal effort even on full lock and a mesh fabric seat for ventilation and better springing.

It's only 1200mm long, 650mm wide and a metre tall so is nimble in shops and city streets.

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