Sources: XinHua website
Reporter: Yu Lihong
China International Science & Technology Cooperation Website also reported this news.

The first fuel cell powered electric bicycle in China has been introduced to the market today in Shanghai. Mass production is soon to start. The e-bike is jointly developed by US-based Powerzinc Electric, Inc. and Shanghai Green Light Electric Bicycle Co., Ltd.
　　
The e-bike is powered by zinc-air fuel cell. The technology utilizes zinc oxide produced from oxidation to convert chemical energy to electric energy. With zinc-air fuel cell as power supply, the e-bike produces zero emission. The specific energy of the fuel cell for this particular application can reach up to 200 W/Kg. Under a consistent voltage, it is capable of powering the bike for over 200 Km range. That’s 4 or 5 times what lead acid battery can deliver.

E-bike is considered a new industry and it is fast growing in China. Statistics show that the nation’s annual e-bike production in 2001 is 400,000 units and it is expected to reach 900,000 units this year. The demand on e-bikes in the eastern region of China alone keeps at 22% pace of increase annually. The majority of the e-bikes in the market are powered by lead acid batteries. But lead acid batteries contain heavy metal lead. It causes certain degree of pollution during disposal.