Four prominent Japanese manufacturers, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha, have joined forces to establish the Hydrogen Small Mobility and Engine Technology (HySE) group.

The primary goal of this collaborative effort is to develop hydrogen-powered motorcycles and other forms of “small mobility” that utilize internal combustion engines. The project has received approval from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, with each manufacturer assuming a distinct role within the group. Additionally, Toyota and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will provide support for the initiative.

The HySE group aims to address the concept of “small mobility,” encompassing motorcycles, mini-vehicles, small marine vessels, construction equipment, drones, and similar vehicles. Recognizing the need for a multi-pathway approach to achieve a decarbonized society, the manufacturers emphasize the importance of exploring various energy sources rather than relying solely on a single option. They view hydrogen as a next-generation energy source and believe that investing in research and development for hydrogen-powered engines will contribute to the commercialization of sustainable mobility.

However, harnessing hydrogen for internal combustion engines presents several technical challenges. These include fast flame speed, a large region of ignition, which often leads to unstable combustion, and limited fuel-tank capacity for small mobility vehicles. To overcome these obstacles, the members of HySE intend to collaborate and establish a design standard for hydrogen-powered engines, particularly for small mobility applications.

Kenji Komatsu, the chairperson nominee of HySE and executive officer of Yamaha’s technical research and development center, acknowledges the developmental hurdles but expresses optimism about the association’s efforts to advance fundamental research in tackling these challenges. He emphasizes their commitment to preserving the use of internal combustion engines while actively engaging in the pursuit of hydrogen-powered alternatives.

The establishment of the HySE group signifies a significant step toward exploring hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy source for the transportation sector. By pooling their expertise and resources, these renowned manufacturers aim to accelerate the development and commercialization of hydrogen-powered motorcycles and other small mobility solutions. Through their collaborative efforts, they strive to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for the mobility industry.