Japanese automakers form 'HySE' for development of H2 small mobility engines

Kawasaki Motors, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Company, and Yamaha Motor Company have jointly announced that they have received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to form a technological research association called 'HySE' (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology) for developing hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility.

To realize a decarbonized society, a multi-pathway strategy to address various issues in the mobility sector is necessary, rather than focusing on a single energy source. Against this backdrop, research and development targeted at commercialization of mobility with engines powered by hydrogen is gaining momentum.

However, the use of hydrogen poses technical challenges, including fast flame speed and a large region of ignition, which often result in unstable combustion, and the limited fuel tank capacity in case of use in small mobility vehicles. 

In addressing these issues, the members of HySE are committed to conducting fundamental research, capitalizing on their wealth of expertise and technologies in developing gasoline-powered engines. The founding members also aim to work together with the joint mission of establishing a design standard for small mobility's hydrogen-powered engine. 

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The members of HySE will continue to deepen their collaborative relations in order to provide a variety of small mobility options to users and meet their diverse needs, thereby contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society, they claim. 

Kenji Komatsu, Chairman nominee of HySE and Executive Officer of Technical Research & Development Center, Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., commented, "We are extremely pleased to announce the planned formation of the association. There are many challenges in the development of hydrogen-powered engines, but we hope to see the association's activities advance the fundamental research in order to meet those challenges". 

"We are committed to this endeavor with a sense of mission to preserve the use of internal combustion engines, which epitomize the long-time efforts that our predecessors have invested", he added. 

HySE claims that the organization will also study on the requirements of the hydrogen refueling system and hydrogen tanks for small mobility with the help of Yamaha. Further, study on auxiliary equipment required for a fuel supply system and tanks, and the equipment installed between the fuel tank and the injector will be done by Kawasaki Motors.