Four of Japan’s leading motorbike manufacturers, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha, are setting their sights on the future of ‘small mobility’ with a fresh focus on hydrogen. They will form a technological research consortium (Research for Hydrogen Motorbikes) known as Hydrogen Small Mobility and Engine Technology (HySE) with a primary goal to develop hydrogen-powered motorcycles and other compact mobility vehicles that utilize internal combustion engines.
Small mobility, a sector inclusive of motorcycles, mini-vehicles, small marine vessels, construction equipment, and drones, is the focal point of the HySE consortium. Each manufacturer, having been granted approval from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, will play a distinct role within the group to accelerate the research and development of this transformative technology.
Japan’s automotive giants Toyota and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will lend their support to the venture, further bolstering its potential for success.
In a joint statement, the manufacturers emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach to energy utilization within the mobility sector. As they strive to aid the realization of a decarbonised society, the focus on hydrogen, a promising next-generation energy source, is gaining traction.
Yet, the road to harnessing hydrogen power in small mobility isn’t devoid of challenges. The fast flame speed and the extensive region of ignition of hydrogen often cause unstable combustion. Additionally, small mobility vehicles grapple with the limitation of fuel-tank capacity.
Nevertheless, the HySE consortium members are determined to work collaboratively to establish design standards for small mobility hydrogen-powered engines.
HySE chairperson nominee and Yamaha’s executive officer of the technical research and development centre, Kenji Komatsu, acknowledged these challenges. He expressed hope for the consortium’s activities to propel fundamental research and overcome these hurdles. He emphasized their commitment, saying, “We are committed to this endeavour with a sense of mission to preserve the use of internal combustion engines.”
The birth of the HySE consortium marks a significant step in Japan’s journey towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions. As it pushes the boundaries of technological innovation, the global small mobility sector watches on with anticipation.
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