We’ve talked about the ENV hydrogen powered fuel cell motorcycle many times here and there has been some discussion about what it might be like to ride and what it would sound like. Here’s a video of the bike in action which shows it to be a bit more responsive than you might first imagine. I’m still having a little bit of a hard time getting past the design but when you run a fuel cell and electric motor, you have a lot more leeway in the appearance department.
Will the predictions of a $6000 selling price come true? That will be a tough one but until it actually shows up for sale, who knows?
Related: ENV Hydrogen Fuel Cell Motorcycle
Related: ENV for $6000
video via AutoblogGreen
hoyt says
The thought of history repeating itself came to mind while watching the video….
The demo video (of something completely new), the small size, and the “…8 hp” quote made me think of early motorcycles.
Within the relatively short span of 2 generations motorcycles have evolved (with chassis, tire, & suspension development) to handle to 220+ hp.
Where will the next 30 – 60 years of the average reader/rider take us?
It’s a great time to be alive.
Johnny says
I think its pretty cool. I would want at least a 90 mph top speed for highway riding but otherwise it could be a perfect commute substitute!
GenWaylaid says
With a range of 100 miles, there had better be a hydrogen fueling station less than 50 miles from home. At least with the latest battery-electric bikes you can hook up to a wall socket if you unexpectedly run low. I don’t want to be sitting by the side of the road thinking, “Now where am I going to find some hydrogen?”
The company that makes these bikes sells fuel reformers, too, so you can make hydrogen at home using electricity and kerosene or some other fuel. Of course, at that point you’re just burning gas in a cleaner, more roundabout way.
I would love to get my hands on one of the ENV chassis and replace that fuel cell with a battery pack and charger. I bet the weight would only be a few pounds more and the range almost as long. This bike is a great design, but I think the hydrogen technology is already being overtaken by batteries.
For another motorcycle that was built from the ground up to be electric, see the Electricross: http://www.electricross.com/ Those are also around $6000, and available now.