Four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers (Kawasaki Motors, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co, and Yamaha Motor Co) are working together on an ambitious project called HySE (Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology). This technological research partnership aims to develop hydrogen engines.
In the face of the increasingly visible impacts of climate change, the HySE initiative represents a diversified strategy aimed at breaking our dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen, considered the fuel of the next generation, promises to transform the mobility sector while presenting notable technical challenges that can compromise combustion stability.
The Mission of HySE
The members of HySE, leveraging their consolidated expertise in gasoline engine development, embark on a joint mission to overcome these obstacles. What is their goal? To establish a design standard for hydrogen engines intended for small vehicles and to advance fundamental research in this field.
Kenji Komatsu, appointed president of HySE and General Manager of the Technical Research & Development Center at Yamaha Motor Co, expresses his enthusiasm:
“We are extremely pleased to announce the planned formation of the association. The development of hydrogen engines poses many challenges, but we hope that the association’s activities will advance fundamental research to address these challenges. We are committed to this endeavour with a sense of mission to preserve the use of internal combustion engines, which symbolize the long-standing efforts invested by our predecessors.”
Roles and Responsibilities within HySE
Each company brings a specific contribution to the project:
- Honda focuses on development based on models of hydrogen engines.
- Suzuki studies the functionality, performance, and reliability of hydrogen engines.
- Yamaha Motor and Kawasaki Motors conduct practical research using actual hydrogen engines.
- Yamaha also studies the requirements for a hydrogen refuelling system and tanks suitable for small mobility.
- Kawasaki Motors is responsible for the fuel supply system and necessary auxiliary equipment.
Other partners provide their support
In addition to full members, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Toyota Motor Corporation support the association as special members.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, already a leader in the HySTRA project for a CO2-free hydrogen supply chain, brings its expertise to advance HySE activities.
Toyota, on the other hand, leverages its expertise in experimenting, analyzing, and designing large hydrogen-powered units to maximize HySE’s research outcomes.
HySE — A decisive moment for motorsports?
This collaboration between major players in the Japanese automotive and motorcycle industries is unprecedented. It aims not only to innovate but also to provide a variety of mobility options tailored to the diverse needs of users, thus contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society.
The HySE initiative could well mark a decisive turning point in the history of motorized mobility, once again proving that unity is strength in the race against carbon emissions.
