Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter obtains Whole Vehicle Type Approval

The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, jointly developed by Intelligent Energy and Suzuki Motor Corporation, has obtained European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA). WVTA qualifies the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter design as safe to use on public European roads without having to be inspected and tested individually.

First exhibited at the 41^st Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009, the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, equipped with the latest version of Intelligent Energy’s air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell system, has been participating in a UK public road testing program run by Intelligent Energy and supported by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board. The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter design has now met with specified EU performance standards meaning that the vehicle and its components are approved for production and sale within Europe.

Suzuki Motor Corporation is pleased to announce that the Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter has become the world’s first fuel cell vehicle to earn Whole Vehicle Type Approval in the European Union. Our aim is to make eco-friendly fuel cell scooters increasingly common in Europe, in line with the establishment of hydrogen filling stations and other necessary infrastructure.

—O. Suzuki, Chairman and CEO, Suzuki Motor Corporation

The Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter was jointly launched in Europe at London’s City Hall in February 2010.

Source: Green Car Congress

Suzuki Demonstrates A Fuel Cell Burgman Scooter In Tokyo

We would have preferred an electric only Burgman but Suzuki decided to concept a fuel cell version. The problem with fuel cell technology, of course, is the lack of hydrogen refueling stations.

At the Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki has introduced its concept Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter, based on technologies from the Crosscage concept motorcycle that it displayed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, thereby realizing a more practical and accessible fuel-cell bike.

Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter. Click to enlarge.

The air-cooled PEM fuel cell—made by UK-based Intelligent Energy, Suzuki’s partner in other fuel cell efforts—is fueled by a 70 MPa (10,000 psi) hydrogen tank (the highest-pressure tank used on a bike thus far). The tank is mounted within a robust frame for safety.

The scooter is also equipped with a Li-ion battery for energy storage.

No other specifics were available.