Electric vehicles are trendy nowadays, and manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of design and engineering to achieve more efficient and faster-charging machines. Although fast charging technology has indeed advanced significantly in recent years, hydrogen represents another potential goldmine for people seeking quick recharging while driving a zero-emission vehicle.
While we have previously discussed hydrogen internal combustion engines, such as those being developed by Yamaha and Toyota, what we are examining today is a hydrogen-powered electric motorcycle (think Toyota Mirai and other hydrogen-powered electric vehicles). Developed by a group of German-Czech collaborators, appropriately named the Hydrocycle concept aims to reshape the future of two-wheeled mobility.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology, or simply Fraunhofer IWU, is one of the main driving forces behind this project. In its official press release, it explains that one kilogram of compressed hydrogen is typically enough to power a car for 99.7 km. Due to its compact nature, hydrogen has great potential for smaller vehicles such as scooters and motorcycles. That being said, the task is by no means simple, as a motorcycle with a hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion system will require an onboard system that converts hydrogen into electrical energy. Naturally, these systems can be quite heavy.
However, the group is determined to develop a functional prototype that complies with European standards by no later than 2025. The organization states that the prototype will be drivable and will primarily be developed to cater to the urban mobility scenario. This means that industrial segments such as home deliveries are at the center of the project, with the ultimate goal being CO2-neutral mobility and a reduction in noise emissions.
The Fraunhofer IWU explains how the project will be carried out by the working group. On one hand, Czech organizations such as the design house 1to1design, the Czech Technical University, and the research and development company ÚJV Řež will work together to develop the platform for the new motorcycle. On the other hand, German companies such as Fraunhofer IWU and WätaSwärmetauscher Sachsen GmbH will focus on the engine and transmission, specifically on the fuel cell stack and electric motor that will power the motorcycle.
In general terms, the Hydrocycle project could translate into significant results not only for the European motorcycle industry, but also for the rest of the world. The European Union has launched a hydrogen strategy, hoping that the big H will play a more prominent role in overall mobility by 2030. In summary, it aligns with the ambitious goal of the EU to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
