The second generation of the world's first patented fuel cell and electric hybrid maxi-scooter has been unveiled today at the Fuel Cell Seminar.

Developed jointly by Parker Hannifin, Vectrix, and Protonex, a manufacturer of fuel cell power solutions for portable applications, the fuel cell and electric hybrid scooter (VX-FCe) fully integrates the Protonex NGen 500 watt fuel cell system with Vectrix's high performance battery-powered electric maxi-scooter, more than doubling the range of the scooter.

The developers claim the new scooter offers consumers and fleet operators clean, efficient and convenient personal transportation.

"The economics for a fuel cell hybrid improves significantly by minimizing the size of the fuel cell and using a battery pack to deliver power to drive the motor," said Peter Hughes, vice president of technology for Vectrix Corporation.

"By using a 500 watt fuel cell and a reduced size battery pack the performance goals can be achieved at a competitive price

The VX-FCe's top speed is 62 mph (100 km/h), acceleration of 0-50 mph (80 km/h) in 6.8 seconds and a range of up to 150 miles (240 km).

The hybrid configuration provides a number of key benefits, including extended range, longer battery life, extended fuel cell life, reduced weight, convenience and is environmentally friendly.

The VX-FCe is virtually emission free and is much quieter than a conventional gas-powered scooter.

The scooter is targeted for launch in select European and US cities within the next two to three years.