Fuel Cells are the ultimate answer to all our energy troubles. If not in a shape and form that they are in today, they have a potential to evolve into something both potent and clean. The heavily bleeding aviation industry seems to be going the eco-friendly way so that it can cut both on pollution and on costs. In a positive step in that direction, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) demonstrated the world’s first manned airplane that can fly exclusively with the use of a fuel cell. The fuel cell, which is based on polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM), generates power for the motor glider’s electric engine.

While PEM fuel cells are not the ultimate answer to our energy needs, the aviation industry could use all the wind that it could get beneath its wings to help it fly in the tough times. The new fuel cell is not hard to manage and its relatively simple cooling needs and consistent power generation make it a true alternative. While the commercial version of this technology might still be a few months away at the least, one can hope for a partial fuel cell powered commercial flight maybe somewhere in the next year. That would truly be a journey towards greener solutions.

Via:Â Cleantechnica

One of the best way to envision a green future is via concept vehicles that are designed keeping in mind the environmental concerns of today and tomorrow. That’s why at Ecotalks, we make it a point to keep our readers abreast with the latest in concept vehicles and hybrid cars. Who knows tomorrow one of you may design your own green vehicle and I may be happily covering it over here!

Today, I would like to share with you a few things about a two-seater Embryo. The concept vehicle is a modern car which is designed keeping in mind, the parking problems that we face today (something which is bound to get worst in future).

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The sexy petite vehicle runs utilizing clean technology. It is powered by fuel cells thus hydrogen power ensures a zero emission state! Embryo’s eco-friendliness can be estimated by the fact that the car is made up of recyclable aluminum.

Its exteriors use a soft material which doesn’t compromise with the passengers’ safety. Its interiors are made from silicon. Small size and compact design assures a swift traveling experience for two people. To add-on to the security measures and avoid any possible accident, the smart autopilot takes care of the speeding Embryo. In other words, in this two-seater you are as safe as when you were an embryo inside your mother’s womb!

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Via: Igreenspot

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The Name: REVOLUTE concept

The Product: An electric vehicle designed innovative for generation next.

The Creator: Indian designer Harsha Vardhan R- Mechanical Engg. Graduate from PESIT, Bangaluru; currently pursuing industrial designing at IIT Delhi (India). He believes in designing beautiful objects that are a blend of form & function!

The Design: Revolute looks like a delicately placed ephemeral bubble on wheels! J
Only that the design is tough besides being visually appealing.

The Salient Features:
·   Static & Dynamic Postures-former for parking and latter in use. The vehicle responds to user’s remote call by assuming the dynamic position.
·   Flashing of personalized messages (to user) from the display alone entire cockpit. Unique concept for emergency contact! Response is triggered by onboard computing facility provided behind the seat which activates the swivel arms enabling the change.
·   Roll out doors aid easy entry& exit.
·   Has heads-up display with personalized message when activated from static position
·   Runs in fuel cells (cleaner technology) which are present in the base of Revolute.
·   Cockpit houses the steering system, swivel seat and on-board computer.
·   Made up of carbon fiber composites & lexan doors and windshields.

Few more:

Via Coroflot

It’s hard to imagine a car on 2 wheels and not with the usual car-looks for you and me. But for Özkan Koral, it is a reality. Infact, this Istanbul designer’s entry in the Peugot design contest, is a testimony of his crazy imagination molded into reality. His car is not the usual 4 wheeled vehicle but a cylindrical car that sits on its huge wheels. The car looks like a lady’s cylindrical vanity purse! Both the wheels are independently controlled by electric motors. This Ozone car (as named by its creator) has a large sliding door for entry and exit and the driver operates this two wheeler with a joystick.

Another aspect beside the bizarre car design is that, it runs on hydrogen-powered fuel cell batteries. This means less strain on the air besides being compact and less space occupying on roadsJ. The matte finish and alternative fuel makes this car definitely a winner at the show (Peugot contest). Let’s see when do we get such cars in showrooms?

Via EliteChoice / BallerRide

The German giant Mercedes Benz is determined to kick diesel out of it way and produce cars that are run by greener technologies. The company envisions a line up hybrid and green cars by 2015. In its efforts to minimalize the harmful effects of petrol and diesel combustion products on nature, Mercedes is already working on technologies that are utilized by the hybrid cars of this age. It plans to incorporate highly efficient internal combustion engines in its future models. Such engines can feed upon biofuels like bioethanol. The latter is made from grains and as per the studies conducted by UK government agency Central Science Laboratory; it produces 65% fewer greenhouse gases. Battery operated electrically run cars are will also be introduced in the market in coming years as per Merc’s plans. Another option taken up by the company is that of natural gas, which is now, mush preferred over gasoline, diesel and petrol in Europe. Next year, Mercedes-Benz B-Series will be seen running on roads using this alternative fuel.

Although, the company may be able to phase out all its diesel-based models from Europe in coming decade, what remains to be seen is the widespread availability of such cars in overseas markets.

Via AutoBlogGreen