Manhattan Scientifics Successfully Tests Fuel Cell Powered Bicycle
15 June 2000
Manhattan Scientifics Successfully Tests Fuel Cell Powered Bicycle Driving Range 70-100 Km at 30 Km/h; Discussions Underway with Manufacturers
NEW YORK CITY - Manhattan Scientifics, Inc. announced today that it has
completed initial development and initial testing of the "HYDROCYLE(TM)," a fuel
cell powered bicycle. The prototype bicycle utilizes Manhattan Scientifics'
unique and proprietary mid-range power technology developed by the company's
NovArs unit in Passau, Germany.
Jack Harrod, Manhattan Scientifics' COO, said, "We are very excited about
the results obtained from the HYDROCYCLE(TM). Our fuel cell powered bicycle
offers a strong value proposition when compared to today's battery powered
bicycles. The HYDROCYCLE(TM) is also wonderfully quiet and gives off no
emissions other than a small amount of water vapor. It is a real experience
to ride through a forest and only hear the sound of the tires on the dirt
road. In the noisy, polluted cities of Asia and elsewhere in the world, we
believe the HYDROCYCLE(TM) could make an enormous difference in the quality of
life of the people in those cities. We have opened discussions with industry
leaders in the powered bicycle and scooter segments about possible
applications."
The NovArs mid-range technology, which ranges from several watts to
several kilowatts, has potential applications for laptop computers and other
portable electronics, golf carts, wheel chairs, cordless power tools, electric
kitchen appliances, alarm systems and remote power stations.
The power supply unit is based on a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that
uses hydrogen and air to produce electric power. It is completely pollution-
free. The fuel cell's unique design is based on the use of advanced composite
materials and sealing technology to minimize size and weight. This makes it
potentially ideal as a power source for portable electronic equipment or
lightweight, personal transportation applications. The company has applied
for patent protection in the United States, Europe and other key markets
around the world.
The cylindrical-shaped fuel cell stack, which powers the HYDROCYCLE(TM),
weighs only 780 grams, delivers 670 watts of power to a hub motor. The
hydrogen fuel is contained in a two-liter carbon fiber reinforced pressure
vessel located behind the bicycle seat. This provides the cyclist with a
driving range of up to 70-100 km (flat surface) at a top speed of 30 km/h.
In production, the fuel tank could be integrated into the frame of the
bicycle.
With the minimal ancillary equipment needed by the system, energy
densities of 205 watts/kilogram and 115 watts/liter can be reached. In
comparison to conventional battery systems, the complete HYDROCYCLE(TM) fuel
cell system has about seven times more energy density than lead acid batteries
(30 w/kg) and more than three times the energy density of NiMeH batteries
(60 w/kg).
Dr. Arthur Koschany, founder and chief scientist of NovArs, said, "We
decided to build the bicycle to demonstrate the key features of our
technology -- the lightest weight, most compact stack for a given power (power
densities of 860 w/kg and 590 w/l). Other bicycle models, for different
applications, will follow using similar materials with parameters optimized
for both lower and higher power output ranges."
Manhattan Scientifics' CEO Marvin Maslow said, "The Japan Cycle Press
estimates there will be 1 billion electric bikes on the roads by the year
2020 -- mostly in Asia with smaller niche markets in Europe and the United
States. In Asian countries such as India, massive amounts of goods are
transported every day by scooters driven by heavily polluting two-cycle
engines. These societies are literally choking on gas and diesel fumes.
Electric powered bikes and scooters could provide significant improvements for
their environments and consequently their economies. In his book Bike Cult,
author David Perry notes that in China, India and Japan alone there are
currently 405 million bicycles in use. He says that in Tianjin, China an
estimated 77% of daily trips are made by bicycle. In Shenyang, China that
number is 65% and in Beijing 48%. This clearly suggests the potential for a
low cost, environmentally clean, fuel cell powered bicycle."
Manhattan Scientifics, Inc. is developing and commercializing proprietary
technologies in the advancement of consumer and commercial electronics
including micro and mid range fuel cell technologies, holographic media for
data storage, Internet-based image management and water filtering
technologies. Manhattan Scientifics' research headquarters are located in Los
Alamos, NM. Executive offices are in New York City. Copies of Manhattan
Scientifics press releases, current quotes, stock charts and other information
for investors may be found on the websites http://www.mhtx.com and
http://www.hawkassociates.com. For further information, contact Manhattan
Scientifics CEO Marvin Maslow (212) 752-0505. For investor relations
information, contact Frank Hawkins (305) 852-2383. Manhattan Scientifics'
business address is 641 Fifth Avenue, Suite 36f, New York, N.Y. 10022.
The foregoing press release contains forward-looking statements, including
statements regarding the company's expectation of its future business. These
forward-looking statements are based largely on the company's expectations and
are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are
beyond the company's control. Actual results could differ materially from
these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. These
include but are not limited to, successfully completing the research and
development with respect to the micro fuel cells and other technologies,
successfully commercializing the fuel cells and holographic storage devices
for mass production, successfully protecting the company's patents, and
effective significant industry competition from various entities whose
capabilities far exceeds the company's. NovArs GmbH and ERDI are independent
contractors to Manhattan Scientifics, Inc., which acquired and owns certain
intellectual property of these companies. In light of these risks and
uncertainties there can be no assurances that the forward-looking statements
in this press release will in fact transpire or prove to be accurate.