Important Innovations Collection

BMW iX5 Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUV Being Tested in Northern Sweden                                                  Source:  BMW Small Scale Production to Start Before End of 2022 Germany-based BMW has a vision for the future of zero emissions travel.  The vision is of vehicles that are hydrogen fuel cell powered with greater efficiency, longer range and faster recharge times than that of traditional electric vehicles.  The luxury car maker has developed a hydrogen powered BMW iX5 SUV that is close to being ready for small-scale production of a limited number of the vehicles.  The vehicle is now being tested in rugged, real-life conditions of extremely frozen, northern Sweden.  BMW says the hydrogen system is delivering full capacity even at -4 degrees (F).  BMW plans on manufacturing a limited number of the ...

Massachusetts Startup Alakai Hydrogen Powered e-VTOL                                                       Source:  Skai History of Parliament Trust Honor for Skai's Decarbonizing Flying One of the most exciting and promising zero emissions vehicles created in the 2020's is the world's first hydrogen fuel cell powered flying taxi/e-VTOLs called Skai.  It's a hydrogen cell-electric, vertical take-off and landing vehicle that can carry 5 people.  Alakai Technologies of Hopkinton, Massachusetts invented Skai, which has been awarded the "Royal Seal of Approval" for its mission to decarbonize travel and protect the environment.  It will be featured in the Official "History of Parliament Trust 300 Years of Leadership and Innovation" commemorative publication.  The platform recognizes Skai for setting a new stan...

Vision FK Concept is Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Plug-in Hybrid                                             Source:  Hyundai Zero Emissions and Very Fast Hyundai has a Hydrogen Vision 2040 plan to offer in its commercial fleet only hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2040. As it develops its hydrogen technology system, it has just unveiled a 670 horsepower fuel cell plug-in hybrid sports car - the Vision FK concept. This vehicle combines plug-in electric vehicle power with hydrogen fuel cell technology.  A full recharge takes only 5 minutes.  The photos of this exciting concept are camouflaged but it looks sleek and very fast with intake openings to increase speed where the rear doors should be. It is a very promising, zero emissions work in progress. Tech Specs The vehicle combines zero emissions with a lot of power.  There is a 500-kilowatt dual moto...

Sea Change: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry For San Francisco Bay                                           Source:  All American Marine US Maritime Industry Starts to Transition from Fossil Fuels to Clean Propulsion The US' first hydrogen fuel cell ferry has just been launched.  The 70 foot Sea Change is a 75 passenger, electric ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells that will carry passengers on San Francisco Bay.  It was built by All American Marine as a prototype that can be used to develop zero emissions, hydrogen vessels for use in the US and abroad.  The launch of Sea Change is important because it represents a big step by the US maritime industry to transition from highly polluting fossil fuels to cleaner methods of propulsion in the water. Expected to Be Operational in 2021 Sea Change is currently undergoing sea trials.  It should be fully...

Green Hydrogen Trains from Siemens Energy & Siemens Mobility Source:  Stock Image of Hydrogen Trains Green Sustainable Energy and Green Travel Newly listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Siemens Energy has signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Siemens Mobility to jointly develop and sell hydrogen systems to power trains.  This is another new and important example of the hot and expansive development of hydrogen fuel cell technology.  The two companies have several goals.   They want to standardize the technology for fully hydrogen powered trains made by Siemens Mobility.  They also want to sell the technology to external companies to promote the "hydrogen economy of Germany and Europe". Smart Green Linkage Siemens Energy is developing green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable sources like wind and solar power.  Siemens Mobility specializes in transportation and is still part of the parent company Siemens.  Siemens Energy wa...

Daimler and Volvo's New Fuel Cell Joint Venture Source:  Daimler Toyota's Hydrogen Powered Smart City Volvo and Mercedes' parent company Daimler have announced a joint venture to develop and make hydrogen fuel cell systems for big, heavy duty trucks - the biggest polluters on global highways. Daimler's truck division is spearheading the effort.  Volvo is pouring in $652 million for a 50% stake in the venture.  This new JV is an important look at the future of greener highways. Hydrogen's Advantages Electric vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells have significant advantages.  They provide much longer range, quick refueling times and emit water, not noxious carbon dioxide pollution.  In Japan, both Toyota and Honda are selling fuel cell Electric Vehicles.  In fact, Toyota, in particular, is betting the future will be driven by hydrogen fuel cells.  At the base of Mount Fuji, Toyota is building a small, smart city t...

Hyundai's  M Vision S Source:  Hyundai Concept Car that's an Autonomous, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle The M Vision S is Hyundai's vision of the future of mobility.  The vehicle is fully autonomous, hydrogen fuel cell powered and loaded with connectivity.  It's a concept car that Hyundai says is designed for urban sharing. World of New Mobility The M Vision S is equipped with driving sensors like cameras, lidar, radar, 3D rear lamps, virtual space touch and communication lighting.  Communication lighting allows the autonomous car to communicate with, for instance, pedestrians by flashing "Go ahead" or "Be careful".  The lighting also communicates with people inside the car by detecting changes in their mood and then adjusting the lights.  The virtual space touch allows passengers to  listen to music or watch videos. Hydrogen Society Hyundai is a big believer in what it calls the "Hydrogen Society", where hydrogen fuel cells will b...

People Mover - Air Mobility for the People Sleek Looking and Ready for Testing The world's first hydrogen fuel cell powered flying vehicle has just been unveiled in California.  It's a multi-rotor hover craft that the inventors call Skai.  The avionics and engineering were performed by a Massachusetts based private company Alaka'i Technologies.  BMW contributed to the aircraft's design.  The inventors designed this as a people mover to provide personal air mobility above congested highways. Zero Emissions This is a futuristic drone-like aircraft.  The vehicle is designed to provide zero emissions mode of personal air travel.  A display model was unveiled in southern CA.  The company's full size, operational prototype will start remote control test flights in MA very soon.  It has to go through extensive testing but the company says the six rotor pod is practical and will be affordable.