Four leading Japanese motorcycle manufacturers—Honda Motor Co., Yamaha Motor Co., Suzuki Motor Corp., and Kawasaki Motors Ltd.—formed the Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology (HySE) consortium to develop hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility vehicles. That was in 2023, and it now seems to be bearing fruit. This collaboration aims to address technical challenges associated with hydrogen combustion, such as instability and limited fuel tank capacity, by leveraging each company’s expertise in internal combustion engine development.
HySE’s research focuses on several key areas: Honda is leading model-based development of hydrogen engines; Suzuki is studying functionality, performance, and reliability; Yamaha and Kawasaki are conducting hands-on research with real hydrogen-powered engines. Additionally, Yamaha is examining hydrogen refueling systems and tank requirements, while Kawasaki is investigating fuel supply systems and related auxiliary equipment. The consortium also plans to collaborate with industry, government, academia, and suppliers to advance hydrogen engine technology.
PWC recently published an insightful article with views from the key players, such as
In the past, I have seen waves of attention on hydrogen: the first wave, triggered by the oil crisis, the second wave, when the movement toward low carbonization became active, and the current third wave, when the movement toward decarbonization is accelerating worldwide. In the second wave, about 20 years ago, and the third wave, after the Paris Agreement, the exact same topics, such as the social implementation of fuel cells and hydrogen stations, were discussed. Although they did not reach social implementation about 20 years ago, the basic research and established elemental technologies that began at that time are now being implemented in society in various forms. Therefore, it is important to continue various research.
Personally, I feel that it will be important to see the direction of global discussions around 2030-35 when it becomes clear that achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 will be difficult.
– Masahiro Shioji, Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University
It’s also worth noting several concepts released by Kawasaki in recent times under their goal of realising a carbon-neutral hydrogen society.
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Context & Background
The formation of HySE aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to achieve a decarbonized society by promoting hydrogen as a next-generation energy source. Hydrogen-powered engines offer the potential for near-zero CO₂ emissions, making them a promising alternative to traditional gasoline engines. However, the development of such engines for small mobility vehicles presents unique challenges, including managing hydrogen’s fast flame speed and wide ignition range, as well as designing compact and safe fuel storage solutions. By pooling their resources and expertise, the four manufacturers aim to overcome these obstacles and establish design standards for hydrogen-powered engines in small mobility applications.
In This Story
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Honda is a Japanese multinational corporation known for manufacturing automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Yamaha is a Japanese manufacturer of motorcycles, marine products, and other motorized products.
Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki is a Japanese multinational corporation specializing in manufacturing automobiles, motorcycles, and outboard motors.
Kawasaki Motors Ltd.
Kawasaki is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known for its motorcycles, heavy equipment, and aerospace and defense equipment.
HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology)
HySE is a consortium formed by four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers to develop hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility vehicles.
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