The hydrogen motorcycle prototype from H2 Motronics, developed in the Nièvre department, in Nevers, will be 25% lighter but also promises double the autonomy of a 100% electric competition motorcycle. This is the objective of Emmanuel Esno, Managing Director of the Nivernais Texys Group and its subsidiary H2 Motronics, who plans to unveil this little gem of technology in spring 2022, after two successful test campaigns at the FC-Lab in Belfort . It was designed by automobile designer Stéphane Valdant.
The idea for this H2K project was born from discussions between Philippe Leuwers, CEO of the TEXYS group, and Michel Augizeau, founder and general manager of TECMAS, an internationally renowned competition team. They both have the desire to transform their passion for motorcycle racing into progress. Their inspiration will bring innovation to light mobility.
The machine aims to reach the level of performance of the Moto 3 by incorporating all the hydrogen propulsion elements: fuel cell, 23 liter tank, a compressor, a humidifier and measurement and control instruments. “In addition to an electric battery because the motorcycle will have hybrid propulsion,” adds Emmanuel Esno.
This project was named H2K, for H2 Kompact, illustrating the key objectives of this concept: the development of a very compact hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, with the best possible efficiency.
Thus, this demonstrator of fuel cell technology suitable for light mobility, the motorcycle platform being the most restrictive in terms of size. “Our job is to miniaturize and we wanted to break down prejudices,” adds the head of the group whose objective, then, is to attack the light mobility markets on land, at sea or in the air. The H2K powertrain concept is transferable to 2 and 4 wheel urban vehicles, light marine applications, light recreational vehicles (off-road buggies, snowmobiles) and boat tenders. The platform for a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell-powered motorcycle will encompass all the requirements for efficient mobility: compact, lightweight, efficient and environmentally friendly. A fundraising effort amounting to 1,5 million euros was launched to launch the post-demonstrator stage.
The H2K concept is the combination of a modern lightweight motorized vehicle offering travel flexibility thanks to a compact powertrain, with zero exhaust emissions. The evolution of on-board measurement has been driven over the years by compactness requirements for lighter components with increased performance. This path has been successfully explored by the TEXYS Group over the last 20 years of its expertise and developments.
The H2Motronics design office employs five people and was born in 2019 from the desire of the president of the Texys Group, Philip Luyers, to carry out external projects in the stimulating framework of the Nevers start-up incubator. The group specializes in on-board measurement and sensors for motor sports, aviation and research centers. It employs 45 people and achieves a turnover of 5 million euros, 70% of which comes from exports.
