Clean Mobile, a maker of fuel cell-powered drives for small vehicles, has raised a $5.1 million first-round of funding.
The Munich company hopes to see its technology used in light-weight, electric vehicles, like scooters or postal delivery bikes, that rely on batteries. Clean Mobile said its fuel cell drive system—with less than a gallon of methanol—keeps vehicles charged after running hundreds of miles without connection to the electrical grid.
The fuel-cell produces electricity from methanol, releasing water vapor emissions, limited heat, and small levels of carbon dioxide, said Clean Mobile.
But first the startup will have to prove the commercial viability of its products. The investment will be used to make that proof, Clean Mobile said.
The funding round was led by Earlybird Venture Capital and Silicon Valley Technology Group.