Japan tends to be leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the automotive world in exploring the alternative fuel sector for practical solutions for tomorrow’s vehicles. The climate crisis that we have brought upon ourselves through our selfish need to innovate and explore the world has led to disastrous and fatal consequences in most parts of the planet. The world has accepted the fact that we need to progressively move away from the harmful gasoline towards a fuel that is kinder to the environment while still delivering the power and acceleration that we have come to expect from our vehicles.
According to Japan, the future is neither electric nor gas-powered
The world has become keenly aware of our effect on the environment and the inevitable climate disasters that destroy our coasts. As a result, the governments of the world have started to incentivize the alternatively powered vehicles, while some have gone so far as to ban the import of traditional internal combustion engines entirely. A solution was needed, and the world got a glimpse of the future when Tesla pioneered the mass-produced electric vehicle.
Much to the delight of the climate-conscious consumer, the electric vehicle gave the world the low-emission personal mobility solution we demanded from the world’s automotive manufacturers. Since then, nearly every carmaker has brought out their rendition of the electric vehicle, not to fall behind the trend that has swept the world.
The gasoline engine is evolving with the electric motor
As the electric motor becomes more prevalent in modern-day society, the internal combustion engine needs to evolve to remain relevant and not be forgotten on the pages of history entirely. Engine manufacturers have focused their efforts on making smaller engines that are capable of higher outputs and can be paired with an electric motor to create an unholy duo of gasoline and electricity that the supercar makers of the world have pioneered.
Japan’s approach to the motorcycle of the future is a team effort
The free market encourages competition and rewards those able to innovate and market their products successfully. A perfect example would be Tesla; the unprecedented wave of Tesla cars on the roads of the world is evidence of the embrace the EV has gotten. However, a partnership between four major Japanese motorcycle brands has unveiled their plans for the motorcycle of the future.
What has this legendary Japanese manufacturer made that is so special?
Kawasaki recently staged the “world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen ICE motorcycle by a mass-production motorcycle manufacturer” at the iconic Suzuka Circuit in Japan. They unveiled their hydrogen-powered motorcycle that is based on the Ninja H2; the motorcycle has a supercharged 1.0-liter (998 cc) four-cylinder engine that runs entirely on hydrogen and stores the hydrogen in fuel canisters designed to look like saddlebags.
The world has begun to explore the capabilities of hydrogen power, and Kawasaki has been able to develop this new motorcycle through a partnership with Suzuki, Toyota, Honda, and Yamaha known as the HySE (Hydrogen Small Mobility and Engine Technology). The bike is still in development, but Kawasaki hopes to bring it to the public “beginning in the early 2030s.”
Is hydrogen the fuel of the future, or simply a pipe dream to keep us busy?
As the other members in the HySE make their progress in the sector, Kawasaki’s test of their hydrogen-powered motorcycle is promising for the automotive industry as Kawasaki have stated that the bike delivers the “rumble and pulsating sensation that riders love when twisting the throttle, while emitting mainly water and a very small amount of CO2.”. The electric vehicle has received some blowback recently as the inevitable production issues arise. Has Kawasaki taken the right step by investing its future in the hydrogen dream?
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