No science fiction trick, this car is powered by a miniature version of the same type of fuel cell now being tested in full size cars by eight of the world's major auto manufacturers! Carefully designed to allow students to perform standard curriculum experiments in Physics and Chemistry as well as to investigate the important emerging technology of fuel cells, the Complete Set comes with everything except water and a lamp, and includes a full set of four course books.

The heart of the system is a reversible fuel cell using a Proton Exchange Membrane (a "PEM fuel cell"). This membrane contains a special plastic material with layers of a catalyst, allowing the cell to electrolyze water, producing hydrogen and oxygen, or to consume hydrogen and oxygen, producing water and electrical energy to drive the wheels. Shining sunlight (when available) or a spotlight onto a solar cell produces electricity for the electrolysis process. The four course books include a comprehensive set of "Research Notes" explaining the function and uses of fuel cells, together with background information, and each of the other three books contains twelve prepared lesson sessions with questions and homework assignments oriented to Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics respectively. The topics covered have been correlated to national standards.

The Complete Set contains the Hyco car and fuel cell, a solar cell module, a measuring box, connecting cables, and the set of four course books. Also available is a Demonstration Set including only the Hyco Car (with instructions) and the solar cell module, and the Hyco car may be purchased on its own. You need to supply distilled water and sunlight (or a 90W spotlight).