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SECRET UNDER THE SEAT: Sure it looks like a modern and very smart scooter but under the shell of this Honda is the world's first working fuel cell for a two-wheeled vehicle. Picture: AFP

Honda goes super-high tech with fuel-cell scooter

August 25, 2004

Tokyo, Japan - Honda has developed the world's first working scooter powered by a fuel-cell system originally developed for its cars.

The new vehicle is based on a 125cc scooter, "the kind popular with commuters worldwide", Honda said.

"This is the first prototype that can be ridden," said a Honda spokeswoman.

Last year Honda's rival Yamaha said it was developing the world's first fuel-cell system for scooters but has yet to produce a prototype.

Honda said it made its car fuel cell lighter and smaller and redesigned it for use in the scooter but would not elaborate.

Yamaha said it was developing the world's first fuel-cell system for scooters but has yet to produce a prototype

The product is still under development and Honda has yet to decide when to start selling it - and for what price.

The fuel cell was invented way back in 1839 by Briton William Grove and produces electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen which leaves water as its only exhaust product.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, the main advantage of the fuel-cell battery is its very long life - up to four or five times that of a convention dry cell.

Honda also announced it had developed a 50cc scooter with a petrol-electric hybrid system.

"We have heard of small venture firms developing similar products but we believe our model is the closest to becoming commercially viable," a spokeswoman said.

Hybrid vehicles are equipped with an electric motor and a standard petrol engine which enables low-pollution travel at low speeds in urban areas using electric power and more powerful cruising on open roads powered by petrol.

The engine recharges the batteries while running and the system helps reduce fuel consumption and the level of exhaust emissions when compared with a standard petrol engine. - Sapa-AFP

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