On the road to a greener future, the need for sustainable, eco-friendly solutions is greater than ever. In the mobility sector, a rivalry seems to be shaping up between electric batteries and hydrogen cells. While the use of hydrogen as a greener energy source in the world of two-wheelers is still little explored, this alternative fuel is paving the way for a new era of zero-emission mobility, promising extended range, shorter charging times, and reduced environmental impact.
Only a handful of hydrogen-powered electric bikes are currently commercially available, the most successful being the Alpha Neo model made by France-based Pragma Mobility, but advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology are bound to lead to more innovative projects within the electric mobility sector.
The latest initiative to come to our attention is the Boon H2, an electrically assisted bicycle powered by hydrogen. Developed by an Irish mobility startup called HubUR, this innovative bike lacks a battery and will use a hydrogen fuel cell to produce electricity. What's more, it will be delivered with an electrolyzer that will allow riders to produce the gas necessary to power its fuel cell at home.
This is where the ingenuity and novelty of this project lie. The ability to recharge the bike at home using nothing but water and the supplied hydrogen generator means users won't have to rely on external infrastructure, which will consequently simplify the adoption of this alternative fuel in urban transport applications.
The Boon H2 will come equipped with a removable hydrogen tank of around 2 kg (4.4 pounds), capable of withstanding a pressure of up to 10 bar. Users will be able to refill the low-pressure hydrogen tank themselves using the electrolyzer. The device measures 450 × 220 × 440 mm and, according to the company, will operate at 220 V with a power of just over 330 Watts.
A single tank or cartridge will hold 20 grams of hydrogen, allowing for a maximum range of 50 km (31 miles) and a top speed of 23 kph (14 mph). That's not much in terms of autonomy, but the cartridges are easily replaceable and HubUR plans to offer them separately as well, so riders who want to go on longer journeys can take spare ones with them.
In terms of construction, the Boon H2 will feature an aluminum frame and fork, roll on 26-inch wheels, and tip the scales at around 25 kg (55 pounds). Other noteworthy features include a Shimano Tourney derailleur and an LCD display for power assist adjustments.
Little other information on the Boon H2 e-bike is available at the moment, as the manufacturer only released a video teaser to announce the project, which will be previewed at the Vivatech 2024 trade show in Paris this week.
HubUR is reportedly planning to sell the complete kit, including the Boon H2 electric bicycle, a hydrogen tank, and the hydrogen generator, for around €6,000, including tax.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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