Even more important, the plasmatron could speed the long- awaited transition to hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles.

FORBES: Technology

California regulators voted to mandate major automakers substantially increase the numbers of electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell-powered models in their fleets in the coming years, eventually accounting for 15.4 percent of all vehicles sold in the state by 2025.

FORBES: California Orders Automakers To Sell More Plug-In and Fuel-Cell Cars

After spending a recent weekend tooling around suburban Detroit in a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered Honda Motor FCX , I was struck by a remarkable image: By the time my 9-year-old daughter is shopping for her first car, she may well be considering an entirely different kind of automobile--one that runs on hydrogen, not gasoline.

FORBES: Fueling Hope

It is powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell engine, which converts hydrogen gas into energy.

NPR: On the Road with GM's Newest Hydrogen Car

And United Technologies, which makes Sikorsky helicopters, has flown a large model electric-helicopter powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

ECONOMIST: Electric planes