Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128384
Green With ENV Intelligent Energy, a British energy-solutions company that is relocating to Los Angeles, unveiled the world's first purpose-built fuel-cell motorcycle at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles on June 14. Dubbed the ENV (Emissions Neutral Vehicle), pronounced by the Intelligent Energy design team as "envy," the two fully operational prototypes displayed at the unveiling were purpose-built from the ground up by team consisting mostly of motorcycle enthusiasts who have been working for the last 15 years on fuel-cell technology, which is the heart of the ENV's propulsion system. The computer-managed engine, or "CORE," consists of a hybridized hydrogen fuel cell/battery pack. The fuel-cell output is one kilowatt roughly 1.5 horsepower - which is sufficient to cruise the bike at any speed. The battery pack supplies another five kilowatts, allowing the bike to accelerate from a standstill. Seat-of-the-pants feel is similar to typical electrical-powered vehicles. The engine is completely silent and emits only water vapor as a byproduct of the process. "The principle of it is that you put hydrogen gas and oxygen from the air through the fuel-cell membranes, and it strips out the electrons from the hydrogen molecule," ENV project director Andy Eggleston said. "What's left, the protons, combine with the oxygen to form the water vapor. The electrons combine in a steam to power the electrical motor, but it also trickle charges the batteries. You never recharge the bike. The whole thing is powered and charged by the hydrogen." Eggleston said that a hydrogen refill takes about three minutes and is good for a IDO-mile range on this particular model, which weighs 167 pounds. But the technology to build a faster, all-out, road-going motorcycle does exist. "We have one fuel cell which generates 75 kilowatts - about 100 horsepower," Eggleston said. "The power is unlimited, and that technology does exist, but it would be heavier than a current road bike. This particular model is targeted toward the urban and off-road markets. It is designed to show how light the technology can be - not could be, can be. It's here, it's affordable, and it's going to be on the market very soon." Projected retail price for the ENV will be in the neighborhood of $6000, with Eggleston estimating a production run of 10,000 units per year once production is under way. "That's not a huge volume, but there are constraints on the refueling infrastructure, which is why we're being modest about that figure," Eggleston said. "We're currently working through the cost analysis to see how we can achieve it. "I believe this is the future, and not be just because we have done this," Eggleston added. "But the reaction that we have had to this bike from around the world shows us that consumers are ready to accept this. The reason is that it doesn't pollute. It's clean power, and it is what some people have been waiting for, particularly the younger generation that is going to have to grow up with the consequences of global warming and the excess use of fossil fuels. Actually, this niche in the automotive market is one where we feel a breakthrough strategy has been made. The reason is that this is economically viable." Scott Rousseau To cast your vote, log on to www.cyclenews.com. WEb INSiYE Cyclenews.com reader poll question of the week ~ What is your opinion on AMA Pro Racing's decision to retain the Formula Xtreme version of the Daytona 200? A. It's a joke; the AMA is out of touch with the fans. No Superbikes, no Daytona 200. B. Superbikes are too dangerous for the Daytona 200; it's the best solution. C. The AMA should remove Daytona from its calendar. Online poll results from last week How much will the winning bid for one of Kenny Roberts' current 2005 Proton KR XM2 MotoGP bikes be at the Monterey Classic Bike Auction? A. $100,000 - $200,000 Long Live A55en The Dutch TT at Assen is one of the classic circuits on the MotoGP calendar. Here is Eddie Lawson leading Christian Sarron in the 1989 running of the event in their battle for second. Wayne Rainey took the victory that year. 1086 (40.51%) B. $200,000 • $300,000 694 (25.89%) C. $300,000 - $400,000 326 (12.16%) D. $400,000 or more 575 (21.45%) Total Replies: 2681 CYCLE NEWS. JUNE 29, 2005 81