Japan's first pilot project of electric bicycles powered by fuel cells has gotten underway in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo.
A fleet of bikes equipped with small hydrogen tanks will be lent out free of charge until 2026.
The goal is to collect data on hydrogen consumption and to see whether the vehicles are suitable for practical use.
It's part of a joint project involving a local university in a bid to publicize the benefits of hydrogen energy.
Fuel cell maker Nippo Precision obtained a permit from the economy ministry last year to trial the bicycles on public roads.
The project leader, Sato Yukinori, said, "We hope people will come and try the bike so we can iron out any problems after the 2-year trial period."
It's thought the fuel cell-powered bicycles will be able to travel about double the distance compared to conventional lithium-ion battery bicycles on a single charge.
A fleet of bikes equipped with small hydrogen tanks will be lent out free of charge until 2026.
The goal is to collect data on hydrogen consumption and to see whether the vehicles are suitable for practical use.
It's part of a joint project involving a local university in a bid to publicize the benefits of hydrogen energy.
Fuel cell maker Nippo Precision obtained a permit from the economy ministry last year to trial the bicycles on public roads.
The project leader, Sato Yukinori, said, "We hope people will come and try the bike so we can iron out any problems after the 2-year trial period."
It's thought the fuel cell-powered bicycles will be able to travel about double the distance compared to conventional lithium-ion battery bicycles on a single charge.
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Summary
Electric fuel cell bicycle pilot project launched in Yamanashi, Japan. Free access until 2026 for data collection and practical use evaluation. Joint initiative with a local university to promote hydrogen energy benefits. Fuel cell maker Nippo Precision received permit for public road trials.
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ID: 8edcac04-1a63-4b61-9fec-4d03c574e3b5
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_26/
Date: Aug. 24, 2023
Created: 2023/08/24 15:57
Updated: 2025/12/09 00:40
Last Read: 2023/08/24 19:04