Inspenet, July 24, 2023.
In addition to focusing on electric motors and battery technology, Yamaha is also working on an electronic fuel system.
A Japan Times report, Yoshihiro Hidaka, Chairman and CEO of Yamaha mentioned that the company supports hydrogen as a clean and viable alternative to achieve carbon neutrality and will develop it as a fuel source.
“We want to keep a lot of possibilities, opportunities to achieve carbon neutrality,” Hidaka said in an interview at Yamaha’s headquarters in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan.
Among those options is hydrogen . Yes, hydrogen-based electric vehicles are already a reality, like the Toyota Mirai. What Yamaha has in mind for hydrogen power, however, is the conservation of the internal combustion engine .
“Among Japanese two-wheeler manufacturers there is almost no testing of hydrogen other than electric technology. We took the lead and built facilities to test battery and hydrogen technologies, as well as carbon-neutral fuels,” Hidaka explained.
Yamaha and hydrogen engines
Yamaha is familiar with hydrogen engines, collaborating with Toyota to develop the first hydrogen-powered liquid-cooled racing car.
In May of this year, the Toyota Corolla H2 Concept entered and finished a 24-hour endurance race at Fuji International Speedway, achieving a milestone for the automotive industry and the world of motorsports.
During the same month, the government approved the formation of a technology research partnership in which Yamaha, Honda Motor Co., Suzuki Motor Corp. and Kawasaki Motors Ltd will work together to develop hydrogen-powered engines.
“Toyota will share its hydrogen knowledge with the association,” Hidaka said.
Challenges and benefits of hydrogen-powered vehicles
The layout of a hydrogen powered vehicle is essentially the same as that of a gasoline engine. You can also make use of the parts and technology of gasoline-powered vehicles. However, despite its great potential, it has drawbacks, being flammable but highly efficient in fuel consumption.
This implies that vehicles that use this fuel must refuel more frequently, although the advantage is that the tank can be filled more quickly.
Additionally, to store or fuel a car with liquid hydrogen, it must be kept below -253 degrees Celsius, requiring specialized technology for the fuel pump and other components.
Likewise, the technology to compress hydrogen is not as widespread as electric vehicle chargers and is still considered a specialized technology.
“It is better to prepare the technology first and archive it. Once the world moves in that direction, we will bring the technology to market and begin mass development,” Hidaka said.
Yamaha is also promoting the advancement of “electronic fuels,” produced by synthesizing hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This will benefit the many manufacturers and suppliers to the industry in Japan, as engine designs for gasoline, hydrogen or e-fuel can be similar, allowing them to stay afloat in the market.
“The task for the future is to develop technology and produce at low cost in large quantities,” Hidaka said.
Source and photo: https://www.liputan6.com/otomotif/read/5349365/tak-cuma-listrik-yamaha-juga-kembangkan-kendaraan-bertenaga-hidrogen
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