Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
During the 8 Hours of Suzuka last weekend, Kawasaki publicly demonstrated a prototype of a hydrogen-burning motorcycle for the first time.
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
Back in 2022, Kawasaki announced plans to develop a motorcycle with a hydrogen internal combustion engine, presenting a model based on the Ninja H2 SX. Since then, Kawasaki has been privately advancing research and development, only recently showing this functional prototype to the public.
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
The prototype uses a modified version of the Ninja H2's 998cc inline-four-cylinder supercharged engine, which can inject hydrogen directly into the cylinders. The combustion process is not much different from that of a conventional gasoline engine: the air is mixed with the fuel and then ignited. Due to the use of hydrogen as fuel, the main emission is water, but since the engine still runs on ordinary engine oil, a small amount of carbon dioxide is emitted.
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
What looks like a bulky side pack is actually a hydrogen fuel tank, which is filled through a filler port at the rear of the car. Coupled with the angular fairing, the prototype looks a bit like the "love crystal" of the Honda NM4 and Enterprise.
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
The size of these tanks highlights a major challenge for motorcycles with hydrogen internal combustion engines. Kawasaki says hydrogen burns faster and has a wider range of applications, but it is not as dense as gasoline, is more difficult to store, and requires a larger volume to provide the same amount of energy as gasoline. Hydrogen is also lighter than gasoline, so the design of placing the tank next to the rear of the car doesn't shift the weight distribution back as much as it seems. Still, Kawasaki had to redesign the chassis to accommodate these tanks.
Can hydrogen be used as a motorcycle fuel? A prototype of the Kawasaki hydrogen-powered motorcycle was unveiled to the public
There is still a long way to go before hydrogen-fired motorcycles are commercialized. While technology research and development is an important step, adequate infrastructure is needed to support its widespread adoption. Kawasaki is a member of HySE (Hydrogen Small Mobile Energy Technology Association), a research institute whose members include Kawasaki's Japan counterparts Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Toyota. HySE conducts research on hydrogen engines, hydrogen refueling systems, and fuel supply systems to support the application of small mobile vehicles.