The world’s first purpose-built hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle.

"A hydrogen bike that is on the side of the angels."
‍The Times
"Runs on liquid hydrogen and looks like it is from the next century… one of 10 coolest things on earth."
Loaded Magazine
Challenge

International power systems company Intelligent Energy, had a need to speed up the adoption of their hydrogen fuel cell technology. How could they get it out of the lab, demonstrate its potential and capture the imagination of industry and the public at large?

Insights

A creative workshop with the client was held to decide on how best to tackle the challenge and to establish the direction in order to demonstrate the ambient fuel cell technology. Numerous products were considered, but only one idea stood out: a motorbike!  

Outcome

Two fully-working demonstrator bikes were designed, engineered and built. This included the bike’s CORE - a detachable hydrogen fuel cell power generator. The CORE, which is completely detachable from the bike, is a radically compact and efficient fuel cell, capable of powering anything, from a motorboat to a small domestic property. In an urban or off-road environment, ENV can reach speeds of 50 mph, is virtually silent and is completely emissions free.  

Client

Intelligent Energy

ENV (Emissions Neutral Vehicle) was the world’s first purpose-built hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle. The motorbike was designed and engineered to demonstrate the real, everyday flexibility of fuel cell technology.

"A hydrogen bike that is on the side of the angels."

The Times, 16 March 2005


"Runs on liquid hydrogen and looks like it is from the next century… one of 10 coolest things on earth."


Loaded, July 2006

Impact

ENV was globally received as a world-first innovation and put intelligent energy firmly in the public arena.

This opened doors on every level for the company, including a licensing deal with Suzuki.

As a result of the project, intelligent energy was one of a very small number of companies worldwide to be named a ‘technology pioneer’ by the World Economic Forum 2007. 

The motorcycle itself also won multiple design, innovation and business awards. To this day, the press uptake on the story continues to run.