Awareness towards environmental preservation at an all-time high, manufacturers of both cars and motorcycles are working hard to slowly phase out gasoline and diesel power vehicles in favor of zero-emission alternatives.
Electric vehicles are the next step forward, hydrogen power also seems like feasible way forward.
TVS, also agrees, and is developing a hydrogen-power scooter.
TVS’ leak patent illustration depicts two hydrogen canisters mount to the scooter’s front downtube, allowing for easy access.
A hose connects both canisters, with a filler nozzle on the front apron, similar to standard gas-power scoots.
The fuel cell stack is locate under the seat, allowing for easy access for repairs or servicing.
The scooter is also expect to include a battery pack under the floorboard, which delivers on-demand performance while also storing energy generate by deceleration or braking.
Boost technology like what we find in the new Yamaha Fazzio could be present here.
The scooter’s electric motor, which is most likely to be a hub-mount unit similar to the 4.4kW unit in the current TVS iQube, will be power by the previously mention hydrogen energy source.
The top-of-the-line ST version of the TVS iQube has a claim range of 88 miles before requiring a recharge of around an hour or so, a fuel cell version could be refuel quickly from a hydrogen filling station, which would completely eliminate range anxiety.
Hydrogen power two-wheelers are nothing new.
In fact, Kawasaki and Yamaha are both investing heavily in this technology.
It looks like a logical step forward, offering the refueling convenience of ICE vehicles.
A fuel cell, like a battery, consists of two electrodes separate by an electrolyte membrane.
A fuel cell produces electricity by interacting with oxygen from the air to transform hydrogen fuel into electricity rather than storing energy like a battery, and therefore requiring to be recharge.
As such, hydrogen vehicles are consider zero-emission, as only heat and water result from the reaction.
