Could This Hydrogen-powered Scooter Crush Range Anxiety?

French manufacturer Mob-ion has come up with an ingenious solution that could completely eliminate range anxiety. The company has taken the wraps off the AM1 prototype, a scooter that uses hydrogen cartridges to power its 3kW motor rather than conventional lithium-ion batteries.  The purpose of the project is “to offer a clean means of transport for the city.”

These cylindrical hydrogen cartridges, which power the electric motor, are about the size of two stacked soda cans. The tiny size of the cells means they occupy little space and weigh less than the currently used lithium-ion batteries, resulting in a lighter scooter with ample storage space. The gas stored in the canisters are safe and produces electricity by reacting with the oxygen in the air. However, the setup does require a buffer battery to ensure it works efficiently. 

There's the usual list of features as well expected from an electric scooter. So you have LED lights, a full-digital instrument console, and a USB charger mounted on the apron. The AM1 has a claimed top speed and range of 45kmph and 140km, respectively. 

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The fact that the scooter runs on hydrogen essentially eliminates the need to recharge it. All you need to do is swap the batteries for a fresh pair when they're running low on juice. You can even overcome your range anxiety by storing extra cells if need be. To ensure that these hydrogen cells are readily available, Mob-ion and partner STOR-H are developing a programme through which one will be able to buy them from retail stores.

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All this, of course, is still in its trial phase. The AM1 is expected to lay the foundation for hydrogen power, which could eventually be used on a larger scale. Mob-ion says it expects to have a working prototype ready in September this year, while the production model will likely be rolled out by early 2023. 

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