Japan has historically been the testing destination for new and innovative technology. As the world is searching for the next innovative technology that can produce a carbon-neutral vehicle, Japan has revealed its first-ever full-scale water-powered prototype motorcycle. The prototype is a result of a collaboration of several Japanese automotive manufacturers that aim to develop a sustainable form of personal mobility that can lure the industry away from the harmful fossil fuels we have relied on for generations.
The automotive sector is working diligently to find the fuel of the future
The traditional internal combustion engine can be seen as one of mankind’s crowning achievements. The gas-powered engine gave the world the ability to create new markets and industries as well as transport man and his belongings vast distances that were insurmountable without it. The ICE enabled us to be more nomadic and opened the world up to exploring and adventure.
However, once the climate disasters became a more regular occurrence, the smartest minds in the world began to consider what could be the cause of the fatal climate change we are experiencing. The prevailing conclusion was that the very device which was responsible for our advanced improvement in our everyday lives, was also killing the planet, and something needed to be done.
The Japanese have developed a new mobility solution for the future
The nation of Japan has innovation in its DNA it would seem. The unique geographical position of Japan and the limited capacity for expansion due to the compact size and population density has meant that the Japanese are faced with unique engineering challenges that the rest of the world need not consider. As a result of this, the Japanese have a proclivity for the innovative and unique.
Several Japanese automotive manufacturers have formed a partnership to study and test a unique fuel that could be the solution to our carbon-neutral mobility goals. The EV was an impressive achievement, but can not be seen as a viable form of mobility for the future as it relies on the electrical grid that is powered by the fossil fuels that the industry is trying to steer clear of.
Kawasaki has put all their eggs in the hydrogen basket
Kawasaki has produced the world’s first hydrogen-powered motorcycle that is based on one of its most successful models, the Ninja. The Ninja H2 HySE runs entirely on hydrogen that is stored in two tanks that resemble saddle bags on either side of the rider. The engine is based on the 998 cm3 In-Line Four Supercharged Engine found in Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 motorcycle, with modifications made to allow direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinders.
The H2 was recently unveiled to the adoring public in a demonstration at Japan’s legendary Suzuka circuit. The motorcycle is a result of the new partnership of several Japanese manufacturers that are experimenting with hydrogen, and each company focuses on a different aspect of hydrogen production and usage. Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Toyota have come together to form the “Hydrogen Small Mobility and Engine Technology”.
Will the HySE be able to bring the prototype to production
Kawasaki has stated that they are aiming for a possible 2030 release date, as the technology needs refinement before being sold to the public in large numbers. The test revealed the practicality of hydrogen, and the prototype produced the familiar roar that motorcycle riders have come to expect from their bikes while only producing water from the tailpipe. The engine performance numbers are relatively similar to those of a normal gasoline-powered motorcycle. All the requirements are there for the new Ninja H2 prototype; Kawasaki just needs to make the technology able to handle mass production.
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