Hydrogen: The New Way to Ride a Bike?

The idea of a bicycle with an electric motor to assist with pedaling is not a new one, but this time it’s different.

This electric bicycle is powered by hydrogen.

German Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt (left) receives a prototype H2 e-bike and hydrogen fueling station from Linde AG CEO Dr. Wolfgang Büchele (right). (Image courtesy of The Linde Group.)

The H2 has been introduced as an alternative to the familiar electric bicycle, or e-bike. Just like a normal e-bike, it’s powered by an electric drive system to support assisted pedaling. It’s energy-efficient and produces zero emissions.

The main difference lies in the way the H2 bike generates its electricity. Where a regular e-bike is powered by a lithium ion or lead acid traction battery, which has a limited lifespan and can be difficult to dispose of safely, the H2 uses hydrogen.

The battery is replaced with a compact fuel cell and generates its own electricity using a 34-gram cylinder of hydrogen and oxygen it takes from the surrounding air. Currently, this hydrogen fuel cell offers a range of over 100 km.

Why hydrogen?

As the most commonly occurring element in nature, hydrogen is an easily sustainable fuel source. It can be produced by electrolyzing water – and when this is done using a renewable energy source such as wind power or by reforming gas, it is a completely carbon-neutral process. Hydrogen burns cleanly, with water vapor as its sole byproduct when converted in a fuel cell.

As a bonus, the H2 is also easier to recharge. A regular e-bike battery can take several hours to charge completely, but the H2’s hydrogen cylinder requires just six minutes at a hydrogen filling station.

The H2 e-bike has some interesting applications in the realm of green energy.

The Linde H2 e-bike could be introduced on a consumer market to promote hydrogen as a clean energy source. (Image courtesy of The Linde Group.)

The H2 is designed by the Linde Group, an international supplier of industrial, process and specialty gases. The company has already worked to develop hydrogen-powered cars, buses and forklift trucks. This technology already exists and the H2 e-bike offers the possibility of increasing the appeal of these environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

Although the H2 is still a prototype, it was created by a company likely aiming to create a commercial market for hydrogen as a clean technology. It isn’t on the market yet, but in a short span of time it may be something that anyone could own.

For more information, visit the Linde Group website here.