HydroRide's E-Bikes Help Generate Hydrogen Generated At Home 

Swiss startup HydroRide has made hydrogen-powered electric bicycles. Here, a Hydrogen cylinder is used to replace the battery part of an electric two-wheeler. At the heart of HydroRide's technology is a compact hydrogen gas generator that can be used in homes or offices. This device efficiently produces hydrogen from pure water using electricity. The generated hydrogen is stored in a compact, replaceable gas container which is like a bottle that fits seamlessly into the bike's frame. A fuel cell within the e-bike uses the hydrogen and converts it into electricity. This is then used to power the electric motor.  

Also read: Hydrogen-fuelled Kawasaki Ninja H2 Takes On Suzuka 

Compared to battery-powered e-bikes, HydroRide's hydrogen-powered counterparts have several advantages. Refuelling is incredibly swift like just filling up fuel given that there is a hydrogen gas container ready. Empty hydrogen bottles can be exchanged for full ones and this can work like battery swapping with almost no downtime. It eliminates the lengthy charging times associated with batteries. Hydrogen offers the potential for a significantly longer range, making it flexible for commutes or recreational rides. Lastly, hydrogen can be produced from water which is widely available. This makes it an environmentally friendly option as it does not pollute while generating if the electricity is produced from clean sources. 

Currently, HydroRide offers pedal-assist electric bikes, providing a boost to riders as they pedal. However, the technology's potential extends beyond this. The hydrogen fuel cell and electric motor system could serve as a foundation for more powerful electric vehicles, such as electric motorcycles, with further development and scaling up of components.

Also read: Bajaj Developing Hydrogen-Based Electric Motorcycles Under Chetak Brand

However, the technology is not without its challenges. Currently, generating hydrogen takes several hours. Additionally, the infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling is still in its infancy. To address these issues, HydroRide plans to establish a network of hydrogen swap stations, similar to the battery-swapping stations. This would allow riders to quickly exchange empty hydrogen bottles for full ones without the need for on-site generation.   

If we have a look at recent news Bajaj and Kawasaki are entering the hydrogen technology for 2-wheelers. Bajaj is developing hydrogen-powered electric motorcycles under its Chetak brand, exploring a zero-emission option with fast refuelling and extended range. 

Meanwhile, Kawasaki has unveiled the Ninja H2 Hydrogen, a hydrogen-fuelled version of its supercharged sports bike, showcasing a viable alternative to petrol-powered motorcycles with a reworked engine. Both manufacturers are taking different approaches and overcoming challenges like storage, safety, and infrastructure to bring hydrogen-powered motorcycles to market. 

These innovations could pave the way for a new era in sustainable mobility, potentially making hydrogen power a mainstream option for motorcyclists worldwide. With continued investment in research and development, coupled with the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure, hydrogen could become a mainstream mode of fuel supply soon.