Innovation and technological advancement create new power sources

The “FC-me” motorcycle is powered by a direct methanol type fuel cell

Yamaha Motor began devoting efforts to finding answers to the problems of the world environment and energy conservation from the 80s by conducting research and development in the area of environmentfriendly electric technologies. In the 1990s, Yamaha led the world with the launch of the Yamaha PAS, the first electro-hybrid bicycles, and then with the introduction of the “Passol” electric commuter model. In 2005, Yamaha launched the next-generation electric commuter “EC-02” on the market and also introduced the world’s first direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) motorcycle, the “FC-06,” which has now been further developed into the “FC-me” model that is now serving in practical use in the daily work of public employees of the Shizuoka prefectural government. Running tests have also begun with a new Yamaha hydrogen type fuel cell motorcycle, the “FC-AQEL,” which uses compressed hydrogen gas as its fuel. From now on we will continue to expand the world of people-friendly small electric commuter vehicles into fields like electric wheelchairs and electric golf cars that feature next-generation power sources developed by Yamaha under the concept of “smart power.”