At the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, YOUON JAPAN has introduced hydrogen-assisted bicycles and solar-powered hydrogen refueling stations to support staff mobility across the vast event grounds. This rollout marks the first real-world use of hydrogen mobility technology in Japan and aligns closely with the Expo’s mission to showcase sustainable innovations.
Developed by YOUON Technology, a mobility company based in China, the bicycles run on compact hydrogen fuel cells. Each bike can travel between 50 to 60 kilometers per charge, with a top speed of 24 kilometers per hour. The hydrogen cartridges are low-pressure, tool-free, and can be swapped out in just five seconds, offering both safety and convenience.
The hydrogen refueling units use solar energy to generate hydrogen from water, producing up to 250 liters per hour. This system enables clean, on-site energy use without relying on external infrastructure, significantly reducing environmental impact.
This initiative is part of the Smart Mobility Expo and supports key themes of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, including decarbonization, circular economy models, and the vision of a super-smart Society 5.0. Quiet, efficient, and zero-emission, the bikes are already in operation and proving their practicality in a real-world setting.
YOUON JAPAN plans to build on this momentum by collaborating with local governments and businesses to expand hydrogen infrastructure and integrate these bikes into public mobility systems. By collecting data from the Expo, the company hopes to refine its technology and contribute to a more sustainable, hydrogen-powered future.
