The ‘Big Four’ Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki have formed an association to research and develop hydrogen power for use in small mobility applications.
The manufacturers have just received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry to form a technological research association called HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology). To realize a decarbonized society, a multi-pathway strategy to address various issues in the mobility sector is necessary, rather than focusing on a single energy source. Against this backdrop, research and development targeted at the commercialization of mobility with engines powered by hydrogen – deemed a next-generation energy source－is gaining momentum
Kenji Komatsu, Chairman nominee of HySE and Executive Officer of Technical Research & Development Center, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., comments, “We are extremely pleased to announce the planned formation of the association. There are many challenges in the development of hydrogen-powered engines, but we hope to see the association’s activities advance the fundamental research in order to meet those challenges. We are committed to this endeavour with a sense of mission to preserve the use of internal combustion engines, which epitomize the long-time efforts that our predecessors have invested.”
Key development areas and the role of each company
- Research on hydrogen-powered engines – Honda are tasked with model-based development of the engines, whilst Suzuki will study the functionality, performance and reliability of the engines. Suzuki have been developing a hydrogen-powered Burgman maxi scooter for many years.
- Study on hydrogen refuelling system – this task will be taken on by Yamaha.
- Study on fuel supply system – Kawasaki will research and develop the auxiliary equipment required for a fuel system and the parts installed between the fuel tank and the injector.
Limitations of hydrogen
The use of hydrogen for use in motorcycles/scooters poses a few technical challenges, including limited fuel tank capacity, fast flame speed and unstable combustion. However, the four very experienced manufacturers are committed to conducting fundamental research with the aim of providing an alternative to electric power for the future of two wheels. HySE aims to develop a design standard for a small mobility hydrogen-powered engine which will help to realise the decarbonised society of the future.
The future?
Although various governments around the world have pushed the electric agenda as the only solution, recent developments in alternative and synthetic fuels may well give other sustainable options. The world of F1 and MotoGP will be championing synthetic fuels in the next couple of years.
Hopefully, this newly-formed partnership will help us petrolheads to be able to enjoy the internal combustion engine for many years to come.
