Yamaha Drive H2 concept hydrogen powered vehicle unveiled

Yamaha recently took a big step into the world of new energy vehicles by introducing the Drive H2, its first concept vehicle running on hydrogen. The search for an alternative fuel option had started in the last few years, this step of Yamaha is in the same direction. Here we are telling you in detail about the Drive H2 vehicle that runs on hydrogen.

Features of Drive H2

The Drive H2 was introduced at the 2024 PGA Show in Florida. The vehicle is a modified version of Yamaha’s existing Drive2 Concierge 4 personal golf car, which is equipped with two hydrogen tanks. Each of these tanks can store up to 25 liters of hydrogen. One tank is at the rear of the car and the other is located under the driver’s seat.

For this concept, Yamaha started partnering with Kawasaki to develop a hydrogen engine in January 2022. This was followed by a partnership with Toyota on a 5-litre V8 hydrogen engine. Yamaha President Yoshihiro Hidaka reiterated his commitment to hydrogen as a fuel source in mid-2023. However, adopting hydrogen technology in vehicles is full of challenges. The biggest problem is the need for infrastructure, which is similar to the challenges faced by electric vehicles. For widespread use of such vehicles, availability of hydrogen fuel stations on a large scale is necessary.

Yamaha has focused on golf cars for its hydrogen venture. The motorcycle segment still has to expand. Till date, Kawasaki and Suzuki have been at the forefront in developing motorcycles running on hydrogen. Looking at history and the speed at which Yamaha is adopting new technology, it seems that there can be further development in this area.