Fuel Cell/Electric Hybrid Scooter Patented

Parker Hannifin and Vectrix Corp., a developer of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) platform technologies, unveiled a prototype of the first fuel cell/electric hybrid scooter during the Fuel Cell Seminar in Miami Beach, Florida.

In anticipation of a growing demand for scooters as urban centers worldwide strive to reduce air and noise pollution, traffic congestion and fossil fuel consumption, Parker has led an international, cross-industry team of manufacturers and suppliers to complete the hybrid scooter demonstrator project in less than six months. The consortium includes ten Parker locations and five outside partners – Vectrix, Giner Electromechanical Systems, LLC (GES), GP Batteries International Ltd., Methanex Corp., and ROBRADY design.

Targeted primarily at white-collar executive commuters, private fleets, and municipalities, the hybrid scooter combines the best of fuel cell and electric features: clean and quiet performance, low emissions, extended range, and reduced operating costs. It is expected to be commercially available in major metropolitan areas in Europe, Asia, and the United States in 2006. Currently, executive commuter scooters are a $3 billion business in Europe.

The consortium partners plan to commercialize the hybrid scooter’s onboard 800-watt direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) battery charging system, which is expected to extend the product’s operating range and free it from the constraints of a fixed power supply.

The patent-pending throttle-induced regenerative braking system captures and redirects energy usually dissipated as heat during braking to provide additional battery charging. The Parker-designed and manufactured high-torque electric motor and controller accelerate from 0 to 50kph in 3.6 seconds, a rate comparable or better than an equivalent weight gasoline-powered scooter.