JAKARTA - The name Toyota has always been synonymous with cars, so its involvement in the two-wheeled segment sounds unusual. However, the latest patent document from the Japanese manufacturer actually shows a design for a hydrogen fuel cell-based scooter.
Launching from Carandbike, Tuesday, May 5, this technology has long been developed by Toyota as an environmentally friendly energy option outside of battery-based electric vehicles. Although it is not a production signal in the near future, this patent indicates that future hydrogen vehicles have the potential to penetrate the two-wheeled segment.
The design in the patent refers to the Suzuki Burgman 400, with a different approach to the energy storage system. Instead of recharging high-pressure hydrogen, the concept offered is the use of interchangeable refillable hydrogen tubes.
With this system, drivers simply come to a special station to replace empty tubes with those that have been filled, so that the "refueling" process becomes faster and more practical. The patent document also features references from the Burgman hydrogen prototype that was exhibited at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.
This latest development also answers a number of obstacles in the previous prototype. Toyota redesigned the position of the hydrogen tube with a hinged support mechanism at the front.
The design allows the tube to be shifted or swung to the side to make it easier to remove and replace. In another variant, the tube holder is placed on a special arm that can move to the side to facilitate the replacement process.
In his explanation, the patent confirms the use of hydrogen fuel cells, not direct hydrogen combustion. This technology is considered more efficient, allowing for a longer range with a smaller tank size, and producing much cleaner emissions due to the minimal byproducts such as nitrogen oxides.
Although it is not a sign of the presence of the product in the near future, this step shows Toyota's direction of exploration of future mobility solutions that are not only quickly recharged, but also remain environmentally friendly.
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