Yamaha and Kawasaki have announced that they have agreed to undertake joint research to develop hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines for future motorcycle models.
The new hydrogen is seen as an alternative to electric powertrains, supporting the creation of zero-emission motorcycles which will expand hydrogen mobility. The development is part of a larger collaboration towards the goal of carbon neutrality, in which Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yamaha Motor Company, Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mazda Motor Corporation have agreed.
The five companies intend to combine and pursue initiatives to participate in tenders that use zero-emission fuels, study the use of hydrogen engines in two-wheeled vehicles and other vehicles. Since 2010, Kawasaki has focussed on hydrogen as a next-generation energy source and has developed technologies for the production, transportation, and use of hydrogen along the entire supply chain. Kawasaki also plans to transport hydrogen using its proprietary liquefied hydrogen carrier, the "Suiso Frontier."
Yamaha is also developing hydrogen engine technology for possible use in its two-wheeled vehicles. The company has goals of achieving 100 percent carbon-neutrality by 2050. In the future, we can expect other major Japanese players to join Kawasaki and Yamaha to produce hydrogen-powered two-wheelers. Suzuki and Honda are also expected to explore alternative fuels and carbon-neutral solutions, while at the same time developing electric vehicles.