A Japanese company has invented an electric-powered and environmentally friendly car with an electric engine that runs on water.The basic power generation mechanism of the new system is said to be similar to that of a normal fuel cell.The key to the system is its membrane electrode assembly, which contains a material that's capable of breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen through a chemical reaction.Genepax, the Japanese company unveiled the 300W eco-friendly car with a demonstration on 13 June 2008 in Osaka, Japan.The cost of the energy generator (not including the car), once it gets into mass production, is said to be about $5,000 (US). The technology is explained in detail here.More info here: Tech-On Japan Wikipedia Genepax Popular Mechanics Reader CommentThis is just so intriguing - you just have to hope that water prices does not increase drastically when this gets popular.

[... ...]

Jun. 13 - Japanese company Genepax presents its eco-friendly car that runs on nothing but water.

The car has an energy generator that extracts hydrogen from water that is poured into the car's tank. The generator then releases electrons that produce electric power to run the car. Genepax, the company that invented the technology, aims to collaborate with Japanese manufacturers to mass produce it.

SOUNDBITE: Kiyoshi Hirasawa, CEO, Genepax.

Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri reports.

[...Genepax: The car that runs on nothing but water...]