Company Introduces New Zinc/Air Fuel Cell Technology

Jan. 13, 2005
Metallic Power, Carlsbad, Calif., has developed a regenerative zinc/air fuel cell that could replace lead-acid batteries in such diverse applications as utility carts, forklifts, auxiliary power for trucks and recreational vehicles, and ...

Metallic Power, Carlsbad, Calif., has developed a regenerative zinc/air fuel cell that could replace lead-acid batteries in such diverse applications as utility carts, forklifts, auxiliary power for trucks and recreational vehicles, and telecommunications backup power. The zinc/air fuel cell is 10 times less expensive than a hydrogen fuel cell. It also is recyclable, produces zero emissions, and charges in just five minutes. Lead-acid batteries can take eight hours to charge. Metallic Power recently completed its first successful demonstration of a prototype zinc/air fuel system using a Cushman brand utility cart manufactured by Textron Inc. The zinc/air fuel cell-powered cart achieved the same ground speed as a lead-acid battery-operated cart, refueled in about 10 minutes compared with a lead-acid batteries' eight hours, and was able to cover 25% more distance than when powered with lead-acid batteries. The zinc/air system eventually could be used in automobiles. "With the adoption of Metallic Power fuel cells, electric cars will be able to fill up in five minutes and travel 300 miles at highway speed," says CEO Jeff Colborn. "Fuel costs will be comparable to gas prices, and emissions will be zero."

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Empowering the Modern Workforce: The Power of Connected Worker Technologies

March 1, 2024
Explore real-world strategies to boost worker safety, collaboration, training, and productivity in manufacturing. Emphasizing Industry 4.0, we'll discuss digitalization and automation...

3 Best Practices to Create a Product-Centric Competitive Advantage with PRO.FILE PLM

Jan. 25, 2024
Gain insight on best practices and strategies you need to accelerate engineering change management and reduce time to market. Register now for your opportunity to accelerate your...

Transformative Capabilities for XaaS Models in Manufacturing

Feb. 14, 2024
The manufacturing sector is undergoing a pivotal shift toward "servitization," or enhancing product offerings with services and embracing a subscription model. This transition...

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!