Honda Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Car

15-November-2007

The most eco-friendly car on the planet?

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Honda has unveiled the all-new FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the hydrogen-powered car in mid-2008.

The 4-seater car has zero emissions – forget carbon dioxide, this ride only releases water vapour.

How does it work?

The FCX Clarity uses Honda's V Flow stack in combination with a new compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack and a hydrogen storage tank to power the vehicle's electric drive motor. The fuel cell stack operates as the vehicle's main power source. Hydrogen combines with atmospheric oxygen in the fuel cell stack, where chemical energy from the reaction is converted into electric power used to propel the vehicle.

Additional energy captured through regenerative braking and deceleration is stored in the lithium ion battery pack, and used to supplement power from the fuel cell, when needed.

"The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we've made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology," says American Honda president and CEO Tetsuo Iwamura.

"Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles," he adds.

Availability

American Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in mid 2008.

Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of US$600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance. Stay tuned for it's availability in Australia...