In 2007 Horizon introduced a first prototype fuel cell system which was using basic hydrogen storage capability as well as a power system design that was limiting RC vehicle performance. In 2009, work began on a dramatically improved system with much higher capability, as well as a first home hydrogen refueling station which woul be able to refill the car's solid hydrogen tanks. The model-scale refueling station creates the possibility to draw hydrogen from water and electricity using a device called HYDROFILL, which sends it for storage into small cartridge devices called HYDROSTIK. The HYDROFFILL can connect to optional solar panels or wind-turbines to produce 100% renewable fuel.
The new H-CELL 2.0 is a step-change in Hobby RC design. Two HYDROSTIK each carrying about 12Wh of energy or 10L of hydrogen are integrated to the fuel cell electric power-train on either side of the chassis, enhancing weight distribution on board the car. The result: a fast hobby-grade RC vehicle with 3 to 4 times the endurance of its conventonal battery-based vehicles.
As in real-scale hybrid hydrogen-electric cars being engineered today, a smaller-size lithium battery provides peak power for accelerations and fast speed requests from the brushless motor, while the fuel cell provides cruise power and recharges the battery for extended runtimes.

solid-state hydrogen cartridges (refillable)The fuel cartridge used in the new H-cell is called HydroSTIK, it has a battery-like form factor and contains a special metal alloy that allows hydrogen to be stored in a solid-state, as part of the metal alloy matrix inside the cartridge. In contrast with ordinary compressed hydrogen tanks, the pressure inside the canister is very low (under 10 bars in normal temperature conditions, and not exceeding 20 to 30 bars at elevated temperatures), making this device the safest and most practical means of storing hydrogen. The HydroSTIK has the additional advantages of being refillable (from pressurized gas bottles, or from water-electrolysis based devices). Each HydroSTIK can store 12Wh of energy, and with two located on either side of the new H-cell power-train, about 30L of hydrogen can be stored on-board the model scale vehicle.

: hydrogen refueling station (sold separately) The HydroFILL is a "world-first" small-scale home hydrogen station that allows you to refill solid state canisters in a simple way, using water and electricity as only input. By adding water, and plugging the HydroFILL into a electrical wall-socket (or a solar panel), hydrogen can be generated by means of electrolysis, and captured in a solid form into our HydroSTIKS - automatically. Horizon has also adapted a solar panel kit which is able to power the production of hydrogen using renewable energy - thereby creating renewable fuel for the model scale vehicle.

To order your new H-cell 1/10 model scale hydrogen fuel cell car powertrain, HydroFILL refueling station, and renewable fuel generation accessories such as solar panels - please contact us here. Download:
*H-CELL 2.0
Press Release
Brochure
Q&A fact sheet
High resolution images

*HYDROFILL
Brochure
High resolution images