MIT’s Electric Vehicle Team is making waves in the transportation sector with their latest endeavor: a hydrogen-powered electric motorcycle.
The team, known for its innovation in building and racing electric vehicles, is steering toward uncharted territory to explore the potential of hydrogen-based transportation.
The primary goal of this project is to create an open-source platform for hydrogen-powered vehicles. Spearheaded by Aditya Mehrotra, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, the motorcycle serves as a testbed for various components, encouraging experimentation and innovation in the field of hydrogen-based transportation.
The hydrogen-powered motorcycle has successfully completed its first full test-track demonstration in October, marking a significant milestone for the MIT team. Unlike conventional projects aimed at competitions, this motorcycle is designed for research, enabling the interchangeability of components for real-time data collection on their performance.
The project is an interdisciplinary effort, with industry sponsors donating essential components such as the fuel cell, major system components, and support from MIT’s Energy Initiative, departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, and the MIT Edgerton Center.
While battery-powered vehicles have contributed to environmental benefits, the MIT team acknowledges the challenges associated with lithium mining and range limitations. Hydrogen-powered vehicles present a promising alternative, allowing for quick refueling akin to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
The team hopes to use this project as a catalyst for discussions on ‘small hydrogen’ systems that could spur demand, leading to increased infrastructure development. Presentations at prominent conferences, including the Hydrogen Americas Summit and the World Hydrogen Summit, aim to showcase the potential of hydrogen-powered transportation.
As MIT’s Electric Vehicle Team propels its hydrogen-powered motorcycle onto the global stage, the project stands as a testament to innovation and the pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions. By fostering open-source collaboration and pushing the boundaries of hydrogen technology, the team aims to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the energy industry.
