Honda working on hydrogen fuel-cell bike

Honda plans to introduce an electric cub scooter and hybrid scooters next year but it also working on hydrogen fuel-cell motorcycles.

Patent plans show the fuel-cell motorcycle with a perimeter frame, telescopic forks, shaft drive and a fuel cell under the seat.

Honda is working on the fuel-cell bike in collaboration with Toyota and Nissan.

The Japanese conglomerate also plans to open 80 new hydrogen filling stations within the next four years.

Fuel cells work by burning hydrogen and oxygen to create heat and produce electricity for the motor. The only emissions are water vapour.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Honda started working on fuel cell cars more than a decade ago with the Clarity FCX.

Hydrogen power has been limited worldwide by the lack of filling stations, but the technology is supported by several auto manufacturers.

Many believe it is a superior alternative to electric vehicle.

While it takes hours to recharge an electric vehicle, fuel cells can be refuelled in the same time as a petrol vehicle.

However, there is some resistance to fuel cells over safety issues of transporting and storing the volatile gas as well as the costs of its production from water by electrolysis.

That is why companies such as Honda are hedging their bets with hybrid and electric powerplants in the interim.

Over the next couple of years, Honda aims to introduce 19 new motorcycles, including its first electric and hybrid motorcycles.

Honda made its first petrol-electric hybrid car in 1999 and has produced many electric concepts over the years. They also back the Mugen electric TT race bike.