The truth about hydrogen fuel cell motorcycles

Hydrogen fuel cells could provide a solution to the pesky range and charging issues that currently plague conventional electric motorcycles. The technology is only just making its way into the car world, but motorcycle manufacturers are already exploring the possibilities for two wheels.

While electric motorcycles offer instant torque, lower emissions and lower running costs, critics often cite low battery range, long charging times, and exorbitant prices as key downsides. Additionally, some believe the manufacturing process of electric technology has just as much negative impact on the environment as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

The development of hydrogen fuel cell technology could provide the solution to many (if not all) of these issues. But what is it? Why is better? Who is developing it? When will it arrive? Let’s take a closer look.

A fuel cell is like a battery that creates electricity through a mix of a fuel (hydrogen, in this case) and an oxidising agent (usually oxygen). It requires a continuous supply of fuel and oxygen to sustain the chemical reaction needed for propulsion.

Without getting too scientific, fuel cells use an external fuel (hydrogen) and oxygen, whereas batteries draw chemical energy from metals already contained within the battery.

Where this favours fuel cells, is that they will continue to produce electricity as long as fuel and oxygen are being supplied. Batteries, on the other hand, go through a charge and discharge cycle. A battery cannot charge while it is discharging – once the power is drained, the battery must be charged up again.

Related Reading:
Honda files fuel cell patent
Burgman fuel cell scooter gets EU tick
Survey reveals people are warming to electric motorcycles
Segway reveals futuristic hydrogen motorcycle

The main benefits of fuel cells are extended range and short refilling times. Conventional electric vehicles can have a rather short battery life, and a full recharge can take over 45 minutes (even with fast-charge technology).

Fuel cells use a hydrogen tank which, combined with natural oxygen, creates the electricity needed for propulsion. When the hydrogen tank is empty, it can simply be refilled in a matter of minutes. And because the fuel cells use an external fuel, hydrogen-powered vehicles generally achieve a better range than conventional electric vehicles.

Another benefit is the reduced impact on the environment. Like conventional EVs, fuel cells produce zero C02 emissions – the only emissions are heat, and water vapour. But fuel cells can go one better, with the possibility of sourcing hydrogen using renewable energies like wind and solar.

Related Reading:
Bike makers eye electric future
Triumph reveals electric future
Harley-Davidson reaffirms commitment to electric motorcycles

The biggest barriers at the moment are the lack of fuelling stations and high prices. While hydrogen is used in a number of industrial applications, the infrastructure needed for fuelling cars, trucks and bikes is next to non-existent. And the cost of producing this relatively rare technology will result in extremely high retail prices.

There are also concerns about the safety of transporting a volatile gas like pure hydrogen. But, once again, without going all mad scientist, hydrogen vehicles can potentially be as safe, if not safer, than petrol-powered vehicles. Both Hyundai and Toyota have crash-tested their fuel cell vehicles with positive results.

Another issue is that, while hydrogen could be sourced using renewable means, it is currently often sourced from fossil fuels. Additionally, the manufacturing process of fuel cells, like that of EVs and ICE cars, results in a lot of CO2 emissions.

Interestingly, the truck industry is leading the way with hydrogen power. The technology is well-suited to heavy commercial vehicles because of quick refilling and weight saving benefits. Many truck manufacturers are already deep in hydrogen fuel cell development.

In the car world, things are moving a little slower, but Hyundai and Toyota both have hydrogen-powered vehicles (the Nexo and Mirai respectively). Other manufacturers, like Land Rover, have also expressed their intentions to explore hydrogen fuel cell technology.

There isn’t much to speak about in the motorcycle industry yet, but Suzuki has explored the possibilities with its Crosscage concept and Burgman fuel cell scooter. The Burgman was type approved in Europe and trialled by UK police, but it was never mass-produced.

Chinese-owned Segway recently announced a hydrogen-powered motorcycle that produces 80hp and has a top speed of 150km/h. It has a planned 2023 release, and Segway estimates its price at the Chinese equivalent of $13,999AUD.

Honda is also exploring fuel cell technology, and has previously applied for a patent. The patent shows a conventional motorcycle design with a hydrogen fuel tank placed under the seat.

It’s hard to say, but we’re confident it won’t become the norm any time soon. People are still divided about conventional electric motorcycles, but the fact is that the industry is already in deep with electric technology. Meanwhile, the hydrogen fuel cell is still uncharted territory.

While hydrogen fuel cells do have advantages over conventional electric motorcycles, the gap is closing as battery technology rapidly progresses. Battery range is improving, charging times are getting quicker, prices are falling, and some manufacturers are already developing swappable batteries. All of this will greatly improve the appeal of electric motorcycles.

The costs of developing hydrogen fuel cell technology will likely turn many manufacturers off, especially when they are so invested in conventional electric vehicles. Plus there are still a lot of questions marks over the safety, efficiency and environmental impact of using hydrogen.

All that said, there are clearly people in the motorcycle industry that believe in the benefits of hydrogen fuel cells, so there is every chance we could see development continue to grow. But don't get rid of your petrol-powered machines just yet.