MIT’s Electric Vehicle Team has hit the racetrack with an electrifying creation, transforming a Ducati 900SS into a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle, affectionately named “Toothless.” It not only aims to leave fossil-fueled competitors in the dust but also exemplifies a commitment to collaboration by open-sourcing its revolutionary design.
Motivated by the desire to grasp the potential of a higher-density, lesser-used clean fuel source, the team of a dozen enthusiasts embarked on a mission to build a battery-buffered fuel cell hybrid. Their goal goes beyond racing; it’s about inspiring others to join the movement towards advancing “small hydrogen” vehicle technology.
Over the course of a year, the team meticulously worked on the transformation, starting with a 1999 Ducati Supersport donor bike. The combustion engine and its conventional components were removed, leaving behind a sleek frame featuring essential elements like steering, brakes, and suspension. Notably, the 900SS mounts the rear swingarm off the engine casing, providing a distinctive touch.
The heart of this conversion lies in the integration of an electric powertrain into the frame. Equipped with a small battery and direct chain drive to the rear wheel, along with dedicated mount points for the swingarm, the motorcycle embodies a perfect synergy of power and innovation. The hydrogen system acts as a range extender, drawing continuous energy from a Doosan fuel cell fed by a gas cylinder ingeniously positioned under the bike’s tail.
While the video above may not depict the bike’s full potential, the MIT team is gearing up for an upgrade, planning to replace the off-the-shelf electric motor with a livelier, custom-designed counterpart. This signifies not just a technological enhancement but a testament to the team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance.
For electric vehicle enthusiasts, MIT’s Hydrogen-Powered Ducati 900SS represents a thrilling chapter in the journey towards cleaner, sustainable transportation. As the team pushes the boundaries of innovation, “Toothless” emerges as a symbol of progress in the exciting realm of electric vehicles and clean energy.
