A trial to test Suzuki's hydrogen-powered Burgman scooters launched on September 4, 2017 with the Metropolitan Police's Fleet Services in London. On trial are seven Suzuki Burgman scooters equipped with the “Burgman Fuel Cell.” The cell is an integral part of a zero-emission hydrogen fueled scooter that is part of a green movement to reduce the city's dependence on fossil fuels. The folks at the Met aim to have 550 green vehicles by 2020 and these scooters will go toward testing the viability of the hydrogen cell. The Burgman Fuel Cell was developed as a joint effort between Suzuki and Intelligent Energy Ltd, a provider of clean power technologies that aims to meet the market demand for more environmentally-friendly products.

Continue reading for more on the Burgman Fuel Cell.

What Does It Mean?

Ideally, hydrogen when burned with oxygen produces zero-emission power. If atmospheric air is used instead of oxygen, small amounts of nitrogen oxides may be produced, but nowhere near the amount produced by burning fossil fuels. This trial of the Burgman Fuel Cell follows the ENV (Emission Neutral Vehicle) developed by Intelligent Energy and these real-world trials are to be watched with great interest.

“Suzuki are extremely honored to be able to showcase the Burgman Fuel Cell and gain valuable feedback from this important trial with the Met," says Suzuki GB Managing Director, Nobuo Suyama, expressing his gratitude to the fleet trial partners. "Operational data from the trial will be gathered and used to support Suzuki zero emission vehicle development programs."

The Metropolitan Police Service is the only organization outside of Japan doing this trial and data gathered during the 18-month deployment of the Burgman Fuel Cell scooters will be a boon to further develop hydrogen technology. The fuel cell has a range of about 75 miles before refueling is needed, which isn't ideal for long-distance commuting, but works well enough for inner-city travel and at this early stage, it's very doable. Just like with electric-powered vehicles, get the technology right first and then increase the range.

The Burgman Fuel Cell scooter looks like a gas-powered Burgman and is about the same size. Refueling is handled by a private mobile re-fueling station provided by Fuel Cell Systems Ltd, a power technology provider named 'Best Fuel Cell Company – UK’ by Global Energy News Magazine, as part of its Clean Energy Awards 2016.

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