Japan has always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to any kind of vehicle, and this year is no different. While other countries are focusing their production on electric cars and motorcycles to decrease harmful emissions, Japan is going against the grain and doing what no other country has done before.
Why have manufacturers focused their efforts almost exclusively on electricity
The worldwide pressure from governments and the public to cease reliance on greenhouse gases is what informs various industries’ current research, design, and production. With emission regulations being set in place, along with government incentives, public protest, and an important growing regard for the planet, the movement away from petrol and diesel has gained great traction.
Many vehicle manufacturing companies have focused on electricity as an alternative power source for a number of reasons. Electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they produce no carbon when being used—a monumental leap when compared to petrol and diesel cars. Considering the motor vehicle industry accounts for 22% of US greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to electric vehicles (amongst other alternative fuelled cars) is a crucial one.
But while electricity has integrated seamlessly into motor cars, its power output in motorcycles has not been nearly as successful, causing manufacturers to look elsewhere for more sustainable fuel sources.
Japan shows the world the future of motorcycles
Japanese manufacturing company Kawasaki Motors has been developing motorcycles since 1949. They are also a major player in motor racing, taking their first win in 1969 at125 cc World Championships. Since then, Kawaski has been designing and developing both road and racing bikes that are amongst the greatest on the market. Now, with the commitment to a greener future, they have released a state-of-the-art prototype that runs completely on hydrogen.
While electricity is unable to give motorcycles the same power and sensation that drivers are looking for (although electric prototypes like these have been tested), Kawasaki’s HySE prototype does just that. Releasing almost exclusively water vapour, this motorcycle engine supplies efficient power to the wheels, giving the desired thrill that customers are so used to, without damaging the environment to the extent that petrol or diesel will.
As project leader Satoaki Ichi puts it, this prototype is essentially a humidifier on wheels. While there is a small amount of engine oil that is burned, it is still negligible in comparison to traditional ICE bikes, and allows motorcyclists to join the journey towards a greener future.
A closer look at the HySE prototype that is changing the game
The Suzuka Circuit in Japan saw and heard the Kawasaki Ninja H2 Hyse in its first ever public appearance, with its 998cc inline-four engine, six-speed transmission, and chain drive. Based on their previous Ninja models, the motorcycle has a similar look and feel, but the main adjustments are the blue colours (instead of the usual green) and, according to Kawasaki, the reinforced chassis.
“to accommodate hydrogen fuel canisters and a hydrogen fuel supply system on-board.”
This is because hydrogen is a lot less energy-dense than other fuels and needs more storage capacity than its alternatives. Other key elements include the H-shaped LED headlights, segmented fairings, and well-known star-shaped wheels reminiscent of previous models.
While the display of performance at Suzuka brought global excitement, it will still be many years until this prototype reaches mass production. Kawasaki is aiming for the Hyse to hit the market in the early 2030s, which remains a good half-decade away. However, their commitment to alternative fuel is strong and clear, and they remain miles ahead of hydrogen competitors who are producing less powerful models like this one.
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AloJapan.com