1. The Power of the Future Hydrogen fuel cells and the ENV motorcycle Hydrogen fuel cells

2. What is a Hydrogen fuel cell? In a Hydrogen fuel cell the protons and electrons are separated. The protons are attracted to the cathode which forces the electrons through the external part of the cell, creating an electrical current. This current can then be stored and utilised when necessary. After the electrons complete the external circuit loop, they are recombined with the protons and form water molecules. Making the only waste water.

3. Applications of Hydrogen fuel cells Hydrogen fuel cells can be used to power any device that has been configured to receive the cell. Typically the fuel cell would be a portable size that could power a car, motorcycle or a bank of them could power a house.

4. The ENV motorcycle The ENV motorcycle was designed by Intelligent Energy, partnered with Suzuki. ENV stands for Environmentally Neutral Vehicle. The ENV bike is powered by a 1kW hydrogen fuel cell and a 5kW battery. It is almost silent when running.

5. Social impacts of the ENV bike The ENV bike combines a completely environmentally friendly power supply with a design that is appealing to many bike users. It isn’t a slow, cumbersome vehicle either, with a 0- 30mph in 7.3 seconds. It’s lightweight design and almost silent running means it feels more like a mountain bike than a motorcycle.

6. Brand image of Suzuki Suzuki is a large vehicle manufacturer without the ENV bike’s impact. The impact of the ENV however isn’t based on revenue or sales, it’s based on the idea. If Suzuki could successfully market the ENV bike then it shows that there is a market for hydrogen fuel cell technology. This impact could change the fuel consumption of many vehicles from fossil fuels to hydrogen or other fuel cell technologies.