Hydrogen Remote Control Cars Vs. Battery-Powered Remote Control Car

Remote control (RC) cars have traditionally been powered by Nimh battery packs. Recent technological advancements made it possible to use hydrogen to power RC cars using fuel cells.

Application

Upgrade kits are manufactured to convert existing RC cars to hydrogen fuel cell systems. These can replace battery-powered or gas engines used to run the RC technology. Hydrogen-powered cars are also available, preloaded with the hydrogen-based fuel cells.

Cost

Hydrogen-powered cars are significantly more expensive than battery-powered cars. As of 2010, the only hydrogen-powered remote control, the H2go by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, retailed for $149.99 new. Battery-powered remote control cars, with the same 1:18 scale, retail for an average of $35 dollars new.

Power

A standard rechargeable battery pack typically provides 5 to 10 minutes of drive time at full speed between charges. Hydrogen cells are capable of running up to 60 minutes between fuelings.

Speed

Speed capacity in both battery- and hydrogen-powered cars are similar. Battery-powered cars run at top speeds of approximately 20 to 30 miles per hour. A hydrogen-powered car runs at 22 miles per hour.

References

• Remote Control RC Hobby : Remote Control Car Info
• Horizon Fuel Cell Technology: H2Go
• RC Gawker: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car