Suzuki improves hydrogen-powered Burgman
Back in October of 2023, Suzuki showcased its hydrogen-powered Burgman at the Tokyo Mobility Show. The test model was based on the commercially available Burgman 400 ABS, fitted with a 70MPa (10,153 PSI) hydrogen tank and a modified engine that runs on hydrogen fuel.
Now, a recent patent filed by the Hamamatsu-based company suggests that it made a couple more improvements, especially with its hydrogen storage system.
Based on the new patent, the big front hydrogen tank was scrapped and was divided into two containers with one underneath the seat, and the other placed beneath the running board.
With the two smaller hydrogen tanks, it seems that the Burgman 400 will only need little to no modification on the chassis to accommodate the fuel storage space, and it should save Suzuki on production costs.
It is also not certain if those two smaller tanks could still be filled with up to 10,153 PSI of hydrogen fuel.
‘Japanese Big 4’ teams up for hydrogen fuel research
Back in May of this year, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Motors, Ltd., and Suzuki Motor Corporation – jointly announced that they have received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan) to form a technological research association called HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology) for developing hydrogen-powered engines for small mobility.
Each company will have its own roles in the research and development of hydrogen fuel technology. For example, Honda will be responsible for developing hydrogen-powered engines, while its functionality, reliability, and performance will be Suzuki’s responsibility. Studying the requirements for hydrogen refueling systems and hydrogen tanks for small mobility will be under Yamaha’s responsibility.
Meanwhile, developing the fuel supply system will be under Kawasaki.
Toyota and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, with their know-how on hydrogen fuel cell and engine development, will help with the research as special members of the HySE.
