European hydrogen fuel cell specialists, Pragma Industries, has successfully increased the maximum range of its pioneering hydrogen fuel cell bike by 50%, using one of our advanced, high-pressure gas cylinders. A fleet of its fuel cell Alpha bikes was used at the G7 World Summit, to provide sustainable transport for journalists covering the event.
As part of the project, which has been funded by low-carbon energy leaders, Engie, 200 Alpha bikes were made available to journalists throughout the 45th G7 summit in Biarritz, France, from August 24rd-26th. Journalists were able to use the pedelec bikes to travel between the press centre and the city where 2 bike pick up and return stations were installed.
Increasing Range with High Pressure, Lightweight Gas Cylinders
By replacing the original (200 bar) gas cylinder for our ultra-lightweight, non-limited life, high pressure (300 bar) carbon composite gas cylinder, Pragma have pushed the maximum range of Alpha from 100km to 150km. With typical battery powered bikes offering a maximum range of around 50km, Alpha’s new range offers a number of practical benefits.
Pierre Forte, Founder and CEO of Pragma Industries, said:
“Alpha fuel cell bikes offer significant advantages over electric battery bikes in terms of both range and refuelling. Whereas batteries typically take several hours to recharge, hydrogen cylinders can be refilled in under 2 minutes. For fleet applications, this is invaluable.
“In commercial applications, range matters. Switching to AMS cylinders has provided a 50% increase in hydrogen capacity and working range to 150km – enabling Alpha to stay on the road for up to a week in average, real-world use. This reduces the time, cost and hassle associated with refuelling.
“We’re expanding production of the bikes to meet growing global demand, and already have plans to use AMS cylinders in our upcoming models to explore further range extension.”
Introducing Alpha – The World’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bike
Originally launched in 2018, Alpha is the world’s first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell bike. Riding just like an ordinary bicycle with additional electric support, it is designed to offer an eco-transport solution for private owners and commercial applications, such as public services, last mile delivery, municipal bike schemes and corporate staff mobility.
After the summit, the 200 Alpha bikes will be made available for long term rental across the city, providing an eco-transport legacy for the region.
Pragma Industries specialises in hydrogen fuel cell technology – developing and producing advanced power solutions for a range of industries, alongside innovative consumer products that utilise its proprietary fuel cell systems.
Additional information about Pragma Industries and Alpha can be found at https://www.pragma-industries.com.
Carbon Composite Gas Cylinders from AMS
At AMS Composite Cylinders Ltd, we supply state of the art, lightweight gas cylinders to clients across the UK and Europe. AMS Type 3 carbon composite cylinders offer high pressure (300 Bar), ultra-low weight, and optional NLL (Non-Limited Life) performance. They are produced to recognised global standards and accreditations, including ISO 11119-2, UN-TPED Pi, DOT (USA) and TC (Canada).
AMS cylinders are in widespread use across a wide range of healthcare, emergency, breathing air, aviation, speciality gas and hydrogen fuel cell applications.
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
