Fuel is among the biggest cost factors for air ambulances around the world without any exception. While there have been several attempts to design and build electric taxis (which of course can double up as air ambulances), the success rate has not been something that can be boasted about. Airbus Vahana, Elevate by Uber, and Volocopter have been some of the well known attempts. It is believed that there have been more than 100 attempts at small electric flying vehicles. The specialty has been that these can land and take off with relative ease. The ability to park them in small spaces and the cost effectiveness has made them much sought after.
The Quest of Air Ambulances for Better Fuel
Air fuel is not only expensive but also highly polluting. Although a necessity, there has always been a general look out for more environment- friendly options. Electric battery powered aerial vehicles have been a choice but they come with some limitations such as time taken to recharge, frequent and expensive battery replacements, and inability to make long flights possible. Speed and ability to carry a heavy load too have left much to desire. Then what is the solution? Hydrogen fuel is the next big thing.
Hydrogen Fuel for Air Ambulances
The best thing about hydrogen fuel is that it does not pollute at all. The cost of fuel is next to nothing. The automobile industry has pursued this technology for quite some time, especially Japanese players like Honda but commercial applicability has not still been possible. The increased environmental consciousness today, however, is pushing innovation in this realm. Also, the world is moving towards fossil-free possibilities. If hydrogen fuel becomes a reality, the cost of air ambulances will go down drastically. The direct beneficiaries are going to be the patients who avail the services of air ambulances.
