Hydrogen-Powered Golf Carts: Yamaha Motor Seizes Opportunity in US Market

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Yamaha Motor, known for manufacturing and selling motorcycles and outboard motors, is embarking on a new strategy. Based on the concept of decarbonization, the company will target the US market with hydrogen-powered golf carts. 

Yamaha is the leading manufacturer of golf carts in Japan. It aims to increase its market share in the US through its subsidiary, the Yamaha Golf-Car Company. The new effort will focus on a zero-emissions hydrogen engine golf cart. 

In January 2024, Yamaha unveiled a model cart at the PGA Show, one of the largest events in the golf industry, held in Florida.

Expanding in the US Market

Takanori Kitano of the Business Planning Department of Yamaha Motor Power Products, the subsidiary responsible for the golf car planning, explained the move.

"The Biden administration's policies support carbon neutral products using hydrogen. We saw an opportunity to increase sales and released the model golf cart," he said.

The new model is a four-seater golf cart that primarily targets the US market. The vehicle is powered by a hydrogen combustion engine. Two high-pressure hydrogen tanks are installed under the driver's seat and behind the rear seats. 

Since 2015, Yamaha Motor has collaborated with Toyota on developing automotive hydrogen engines. Meanwhile Yamaha Motor has independently developed hydrogen-fueled generators and outboard motors, integrating this know-how into the golf cart.

The model golf cart received a good response in the US. However, challenges remain in bringing the vehicle to the market. First, a shortage of hydrogen supply stations in the US poses a barrier to widespread adoption.

"We want to collaborate with partner companies that deal with hydrogen stations. We will lobby the US government and states to promote them," said Kitano.

In the US, golf carts are also used in large residential complexes and beach resorts. Market expansion is expected to continue.

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