Two chemistry professors at the University of La Verne in California say they have created a propane-powered fuel cell that will change the face of the recreational-vehicle industry forever. The fuel cell converts propane to hydrogen and generates enough energy to power everything in an RV but the motor: electricity, heat, and water systems. The scientists say their invention is 2.5 times more efficient than an internal-combustion generator, emits far less pollution, and is quieter. They estimate that it will cost $5 million to $6 million to get the technology ready for market, after which they expect to sell the fuel cells for about $6,000. Across the globe in other fuel-cell news, the world’s first commercial hydrogen fueling station opened yesterday in Reykjavik, Iceland, as part of a European Union-sponsored project to begin creating an infrastructure for fuel-cell vehicles.
