Toyota to now make two-wheelers? Patents new hydrogen-powered Burgman concept

Now planning to excel in the two-wheeler segment, Toyota has filed a new patent for a hydrogen fuel cell scooter. A new patent reveals that Toyota has patented a hydrogen fuel cell system based on a Suzuki Burgman.

The system uses replaceable prefilled cylinders, allowing riders to easily swap empty tanks for full ones at dedicated refuelling stations. A similar concept was previously showcased by Suzuki at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. The new patent application details a Burgman-based design derived from the earlier fuel cell prototype.

This patent stands out due to its unique tank placement. Here, hydrogen canisters sit in a front-mounted cradle and can swing out for easy removal. Another variation shows articulated arms that extend the tank outward toward the side, allowing it to be removed conveniently from the scooter’s side.

Hydrogen-powered two-wheelers have been under exploration for years, although none have reached mainstream production yet. Suzuki previously showcased a hydrogen-powered Burgman concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, featuring a 70 MPa hydrogen tank. That version used an internal combustion engine tuned to run on hydrogen.

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The recent patent, however, focuses on hydrogen fuel cell technology rather than hydrogen combustion, which is a more efficient way of generating power. Toyota, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha are part of the Japan Hydrogen Small Mobility & Engine Technology Association, which focuses on developing hydrogen-powered two-wheelers.

While the patent highlights advancement in a new direction, the previous concept from Suzuki showcased a tank positioned at the front of the engine and a second tank located under the rear section of the seat. At that time, Suzuki engineers had highlighted how they addressed thermal management concerns and incorporated a radiator deflector to direct hot air away from the front hydrogen tank.

Two of the biggest challenges identified in the earlier version were related to hydrogen storage. The high-pressure storage requirements continued to pose packaging difficulties compared to traditional liquid fuels.