Suzuki Burgman becomes world’s first type-approved fuel cell powered vehicle

Suzuki has announced that a fuel cell powered scooter based on its popular Burgman has become the world’s first fuel cell vehicle to earn Whole Vehicle Type Approval in the European Union.

The Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter was first seen at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009.

Since February 2010, Suzuki and British company Intelligent Energy, which developed the Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter’s fuel cell system, have been jointly participating in trials of the scooter on public roads under the aegis of the British government’s Technology Strategy Board.

Initially, just a single bike was being tested near Loughborough University, but more bikes are due to join the test fleet.

The newly obtained Whole Vehicle Type Approval is “a pan-European endorsement reflecting recognition of the Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter’s high levels of environmental performance and safety”.

The fuel-cell powered Burgman incorporates a light, compact, air-cooled fuel cell and a hydrogen tank that’s positioned inside the frame.

Suzuki aims to produce the Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter as an evironmentally clean commercial product. Electricity produced by the fuel cell powers a motor for propulsion; the only emission is water.