Thames & Kosmos Eco-Battery Vehicles

The Thames & Kosmos Eco-Battery Vehicles kit teaches kids about what many believe is the future of automobiles: the electric vehicle (EV). Powered by rechargeable chemical cells (batteries), the battery electric vehicle (BEV) is making the rise of electric vehicles more practical.

With this kit, kids build and experiment with a new type of environmentally friendly "fuel cell" to learn about electrochemical cells and BEV's. The battery is a metal-air electrochemical cell, which is a type of battery that's widely used in small scale devices. It is ideal for demonstrating battery technology because it does not use any harmful chemicals. It generates electricity using only magnesium plates, salt water, and the oxygen in the air. Plus, since magnesium can be harvested cleanly from ocean water, it's considered an eco-friendly renewable fuel, unlike gasoline.

In order for battery electric vehicles to gain wide acceptance and use, their batteries must be easy to recharge, able to hold enough charge to drive long distances, and more efficient than gasoline engines. Scientists and engineers worldwide are tackling this battery challenge and making progress. Join them as you build 22 different models and power them with this special battery. Experiment with different concentrations of salt to see how long your battery can run, all while learning about electrochemistry and battery technology.

One metal plate lasts as long as a regular AA battery; six plates are included. To operate the models without the metal-air cell, two rechargeable AA batteries are required (not included). This kit includes a full-color, 64-page experiment manual and 91 building pieces.

Eco-Battery Vehicles contents:

• 91 building pieces
• 22 different models
• 64-page experiment manual