World’s First Public Demonstration of Hydrogen Engine Motorcycle
On July 20, Kawasaki Motors, a member of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, conducted the world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycle by a mass-production motorcycle manufacturer at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
The hydrogen ICE motorcycle was designed and built as part of research that began in March 2023, with test runs starting this year, culminating in the public demonstration run. Mounted in the machine is a hydrogen engine 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 motorcycle’s chassis was designed to accommodate hydrogen fuel canisters and a hydrogen fuel supply system on-board.
Hydrogen ICE motorcycles run on hydrogen combustion, producing the rumble and pulsating sensation that riders enjoy when twisting the throttle, while emitting mainly water*1.
As part of their carbon neutral initiative, Kawasaki Motors is currently conducting research and development with the aim of realizing a functioning hydrogen ICE motorcycle*2 as one carbon-neutral option for riders in the early 2030s.
Kawasaki Motors is a full member of HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology)*3, a research association focused on hydrogen technology that is actively conducting basic research on hydrogen engines, hydrogen filling systems, and fuel supply systems in order to produce hydrogen-powered small mobility vehicles, including motorcycles.
In order to further strengthen the Kawasaki brand, Kawasaki Motors will provide products and services that meet the needs of our customers and society, including efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality, as we challenge ourselves to examine all possibilities in pursuit of the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches.
*1: When riding, a very small amount of engine oil is burned, resulting in the generation of a very small amount of CO2.
*2: The time of commercial availability may vary depending on the hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure and the status of legal regulations in each country.
*3: A research association founded by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kawasaki Motors, Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. in May 2023 for the purpose of basic research on hydrogen engines for small mobility vehicles.
*4: Autopolis Co, Ltd. (Hita City, Oita Prefecture).
