Honda announces fuel cell, hybrid and electric scooters

Honda Motor Company has announced its intentions to hotly contest the sustainable future of two wheel transport by showing several new prototype model developments surrounding fuel cell, electric and hybrid (petrol/electric) scooters. Building on its success with fuel cell automobile technology, the most significant announcement was a scooter powered by its light, compact fuel cell system, the Honda FC Stack.

Honda's main rival in the race to put a fuel cell motorcycle on the market is Yamaha, which surprised everyone at the most recent Tokyo Motor Show by showing a range of clean and silent two wheelers, some with very forward-thinking and advanced design. One in particular, the Dolsa Wind, is worth checking out!

Honda has responded by showing a prototype powered by the Honda FC Stack which has been made lighter and smaller, optimizing it for application to scooters. Space has been conserved by placing the electric drive system on the rear-wheel swing arm, and by placing the Honda FC Stack fuel cell in the centre of the scooter, with auxiliary systems compactly arranged around it. The result is a prototype scooter which Honda claims is comparable in size to a 125cc class scooter, though the photos suggest something more the size of a Maxi-Scooter. Not surprisingly, Honda also noted its intention to continue refining the new vehicle's design with a view to achieving the same range and storage space as a normal motorcycle.

Honda Fuel Cell History

Honda has long been involved in the development of fuel cell systems as next-generation powerplants, since they emit no noxious emissions and can help reduce the demand for fossil fuels and slow global warming.

In December 2002, Honda delivered FCX fuel cell vehicles to customers in Japan and the United States-a world's first.

In October 2003, Honda announced the development of the Honda FC Stack, a next-generation fuel cell capable of starting at subfreezing temperatures. Honda plans to deliver the Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX cars in Q4 2004 to customers in the United States, and in 2005 to customers in Japan.

Honda Develops Hybrid Scooter Prototype

Honda covered all the bases in its show and tell, with the first prototype of a 50cc hybrid scooter.

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