Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter

[Crossbones Dennis]

The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter has received Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA), reportedly the first time any fuel cell vehicle has achieved that level of certification in the European Union. The announcement was made by Suzuki and clean power systems company Intelligent Energy, co-developers of the hydrogen-powered scooter..

The WVTA designation qualifies the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter design as safe to use on public roads without having to be inspected and tested individually. The action also brings zero emission motorcycles a step closer to the commercial market.

First exhibited at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009, the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, equipped with the latest version of Intelligent Energy's air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell system, has been participating in a public road-testing program in the UK run by Intelligent Energy and supported by the UK's Technology Strategy Board. Now that the Suzuki design has met specified EU performance standards, the vehicle and its components are approved for production and sale within Europe.

[Crossbones Dennis]

news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10446657-54.html


The Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter is fueled by a cylinder of hydrogen, which reacts with oxygen to produce electricity and water. A lithium-ion battery and fuel cell provide the vehicle's power and the only gas emitted through the exhaust is water vapor.

The bike can go up to 220 miles--comparable to a conventional Burgman scooter--without the need for refueling. This then takes less than five minutes at a hydrogen fueling station, the companies said.