The argument for hydrogen-powered electric motorcycles

Geoff and I have been having conversations about electric motorcycles (EVMCs) for the past two years.

He has an impressive collection of classic bikes and has been a rider for at least six decades. He is not anti-EV, he drives a Tesla Model 3 Long Range. He just doesn’t think you can power a motorbike the same way you can power a car.

Yesterday he sent me this message: “Hydrogen is the only fuel with the energy density required for a motorcycle at present Mr W. Ciao,” and invited me the read this article.

XiDEA presented the company’s latest concept motorcycle at the 19th China International Motorcycle Exhibition last month in Chongqing. The XCELL is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and will be fitted with four hydrogen storage tanks in the front.

Geoff’s arguments against battery electric motorbikes centre on weight:

“EVMCs are bewilderingly underpowered (45kw), short-range (200k at max) and carry a huge price $45,000 (Harley D LiveWire), compare this with my Internal Combustion Engine Motor Cycle (ICEMC) for instance mine is 160kW, 300k range (5 minute refill – anywhere) and cost $17,000 new.

“90% of motorcyclists are tourers and cruisers, not commuters. For instance, all of my trips are 200+ km and I use my motorcycles very little around town.

“Where we ride there ARE no recharge capabilities and even if there were they would be inadequate for the number of bikes on a ride.  That is because we go to the bush (I am just back from a 200km ride into the bush) (and) where we stop is by a creek or roadside café.

“In a car like our Model 3 around 50% of the weight is batteries – this is impossible in an EVMC as it wouldn’t be able to be held upright and couldn’t be picked up if it fell over. A beginning would be say an 80kw EVMC, with 320k range, 225kg, recharge time 15 minutes max, and $23K ride away price tag.

“Lithium can work for cars where battery weight is not an issue and bicycles where range and speed are not issues.  For EVMCs on the other hand range and weight are utterly critical DNA design issues.  If it’s one thing lithium can’t do it’s EVMCs.”

Hopefully it won’t be long before these issues can be resolved (with hydrogen or battery tech) and Geoff can have a bike that will cruise him to the bush in the fresh air and quiet. Though I think one of the essential parts of a motorbike ride is the throb and thunder of the mighty engine.

(Editor’s note: For a different perspective, in favour of battery electric motorbikes, read Nigel Morris’ review of the Harley Livewire.)