The world's first motorbike to be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell is moving closer, with its developers suggesting it may be ready for full production by the end of this year.

The BBC has test-driven the Emissions Neutral Vehicle (ENV) and has been impressed with the new machine, suggesting that it may soon provide a viable alternative to gas-guzzling motorbikes.

It is believed that the manufacturers of the new fuel cell-powered ENV will target it at commuters as an environmentally-friendly way to get to work, offering a faster alternative to walking or cycling.

However, the BBC highlights a number of obstacles still facing the ENV, including the fact that the production of hydrogen in large amounts still requires the burning of fossil fuels, meaning it is not a completely eco-friendly option.

The UK also does not have the infrastructure at present to make the ENV commercially viable, as there is nowhere to fill up with hydrogen.

But the manufacturers believe that these potential problems can be ironed out over the months ahead, to make the fuel cell bike a commercially-viable, environmentally-friendly option across the UK and around the world.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd