MIT continues to work on motorcycles with hydrogen fuel cells

Electric motorcycles are in fashion, with many manufacturers, large and small, launching innovations every year. But it is evident that even the most advanced electric motorcycles have their limitations. Charging technology has certainly advanced by leaps and bounds, but even the fastest chargers take much longer than filling up a gas tank – although Polestar is working on something quite interesting. Of course, there is also battery swapping technology, but this implies dependence on infrastructures that can take years to build. Therefore, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are exploring how hydrogen fuel cells can pave the way for the future of two-wheeled mobility, despite a number of car manufacturers giving up on the technology. We have talked about some hydrogen-focused initiatives in the past, with some big names like Yamaha working on innovations in the same area. That being said, not many other manufacturers have launched many hydrogen-focused initiatives. So, the MIT Electric Vehicles Team wants to change this situation.

This team has an impressive history when it comes to building and competing with electric vehicles, both two and four-wheeled. However, the project they are working on in the area of hydrogen-powered motorcycles is a bit different. But it could be their most challenging and impactful project to date.

Instead of participating in races and competitions, the prototype will be showcased at conferences and exhibitions, in an attempt to raise awareness and encourage research in the hydrogen domain.

As for the prototype, it is a fully functional model that, according to the EV team, is cost-effective enough for small-scale production (i.e. for prototype applications), but not yet ready for the market. It uses a hydrogen fuel cell supplied by Doosan Fuel Cell, a South Korean company specialized in lightweight fuel cells mainly used in drones.

The motor used in the prototype was a commercially available unit, but the MIT EV team is working on their own motor, completely designed from scratch for better performance and efficiency.

Perhaps the biggest impact the prototype will have on the industry is the fact that the MIT EV team is developing a sort of manual documenting every step of the project. Everything from conception, design, and manufacturing of individual parts will be highlighted in the manual and made available for people who want to follow in their footsteps, or perhaps even further the team’s progress.