Motorcycle manufacturers joined forces to preserve internal combustion engines

Yamaha Motor, Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki have received approval to form a technological research association named HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology) to develop hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility machines. Developing hydrogen engines would contribute to creating a carbon dioxide-free society.

The association believes that making the world less polluted requires a multi-directional strategy rather than focusing solely on one energy source. They see hydrogen-powered engines as the next generation energy source and are currently conducting research and development in this area.

Developing hydrogen-powered engines presents significant technical challenges. Hydrogen flames burn very quickly, have a large ignition area, and combustion can be unstable. For motorcycles, limited fuel tank capacity is also a concern. Fortunately, HySE members have extensive knowledge and technology from developing gasoline engines, and together they can apply their expertise to develop new solutions.

Kenji Komatsu, General Manager of the Technical Research and Development Center at Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. and the candidate for HySE Chairman, commented: “We are very pleased to announce the formation of this association. There are many challenges in developing hydrogen engines, but we hope the association’s activities will advance fundamental research to tackle these challenges. We are committed to this endeavor with the mission to preserve the use of internal combustion engines, to which our predecessors have dedicated long-term efforts in creating and developing.”

Therefore, the manufacturers now face the significant task of determining the functionality, performance, and reliability of hydrogen-powered engines. Additionally, solutions for fuel supply systems, hydrogen tank implementation, and refueling are needed.