For years we have been talking about hydrogen bikesa possible alternative to the classic e-bikes powered by lithium batteries, often criticized for the environmental impact of their production. The idea of combining advanced technology such as fuel cells with one of the most symbolic means of sustainable mobility is becoming reality, even if with many obstacles to overcome.
The lithium, essential for the construction of the batteries, involves expensive, highly polluting and subject to fluctuations of the global market. In this scenario, hydrogen looks like a resource renewable, clean and with zero direct emissionsmaking bicycles hydrogen a potential revolution in the field of green mobility.
How does a hydrogen bike work?
Hydrogen bicycles are, in all respects, E-bike with pedal assisted who use fuel cells (Fuel Cell) to generate electricity. In particular, they use an electrochemical cell capable of transforming hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, without going through any thermal combustion process.
The fuel used is thegreen hydrogenobtained through water electrolysis, powered by renewable sources such as sunny or wind, or by reforming of biogas. This guarantees a virtuous and completely sustainable cycle, at least from a theoretical point of view.
A key difference with hydrogen cars is that, in the case of bikes, Hydrogen can be produced directly at home. In fact, solutions are emerging that involve the use of compact generators powered by solar energyas big as a suitcase, capable of producing sufficient liquid hydrogen to fill the bike tank. The system is practical and autonomous, but has a still high cost, which for now limits its use especially to company fleets or bike sharing services.
The hydrogen bike models already on the market
Among the pioneers in the sector we find Youon Technologya Chinese company that has already developed Four models of hydrogen bicycles equipped with fuel cells and low pressure tanks. These systems use one proton exchange membrane (PEM) To generate energy when the hydrogen is released from the tank.
In Italy, one of these models, the Y800will be available for tests and demonstrations during the Bikeup – Electric Bicycle Power Festivalwhich will be held in Bergamo from 11 to 13 April on the Senierone of the lower city. The event represents an important international showcase for new light electric mobility solutions.
A distinctive element of the Youon bikes is the possibility of produce hydrogen independently at homethanks to a compact generator powered by solar panels or by the electrical network. The device can generate 20 grams of 200 ml hydrogen of purified water in about 5-6 hours. Hydrogen is then stored in one 25 cm long cartridgesimilar to a bottle, which fits into the bike frame in a few seconds and guarantees up to 60 km of autonomy.
On the other side of Europe, the French pragma industries He launched his new model Alpha Neoproduced in 1000 specimens. This bike is equipped with a 3 -liter tank a 300 bar of pressurecapable of producing 1200 WH of energy, sufficient to travel up to 150 km. The 250W rear engine allows you to reach the limit speed of 25 km/h, while the frame houses a five -speed gearbox and disc brakes. All for a weight of 30 kg and a price around the 7500 euros.
Hydrogen bicycles represent one Interesting and potentially revolutionary solution for the future of sustainable mobility. However, the high initial cost, the lack of a widespread infrastructure for refueling and the need for greater reliability still limit its large -scale diffusion.
Their impact could begin to be felt in the sectors of the Urban bike sharing and company fleetscontexts in which environmental and logistical advantages can compensate for the initial economic investment. With the progress of technology and better regulatory support, hydrogen bikes could become an increasingly common presence on the streets of our cities.
