UltraCell Corporation (California, USA) has just launched a new battery weighing 0.9 kg at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), supporting laptops to operate continuously for nearly 15 hours.
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The laptop model introduced by UltraCell at IDF. (CNet) |
William Hill, UltraCell’s market vice president, confirmed that these laptop models will be available in 2007 at a price of under $500.
UltraCell’s product, which utilizes methanol, is priced at approximately $4 per canister. These methanol canisters can be recycled. The fuel cell converts oxygen and hydrogen into water and electrical energy. However, the complexity and high production costs have prevented them from appearing on the market. Currently, many researchers are exploring ways to apply this technology in vehicles, mobile phones, and various other electronic devices.
Meanwhile, Intel remains cautious when discussing the future of fuel cells. The chip manufacturer is not particularly optimistic that laptops using this technology will emerge soon. They outlined several challenges, such as distribution hurdles, regulations, and approval licenses for use in aircraft, and assert that fuel cells will need at least another 10 years before they can flourish.
