Honda is going to be one of the first automakers to bring a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle to market. Next month the automaker plans on unveiling a production version of the FCX concept car.
Honda’s President and CEO Takeo Fukui made the announcement and the car is expected to go on sale in the US and Japan sometime next year.
The Honda FCX Concept produces 129 horsepower with a top speed of 100 mph. The car has a range of 354 miles and omits zero emissions.
Honda is placing their emphasis on fuel-cells, clean diesels and hybrids instead of plug-in hybrids like the upcoming Chevy Volt. Honda's CEO does not see the advantages of plug-in hybrids.
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PRESS RELEASE:
Honda’s next generation hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, November 14, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
Based on the FCX Concept that has impressed journalists at multiple test drive events over the past year, this all-new fuel cell vehicle will be marketed to fleet and retail customers in the U.S. and Japan beginning in 2008. The Los Angeles Auto Show represents the first opportunity for potential U.S. customers to preview the new car.
In an effort to appeal to real world consumers, Honda’s recent breakthroughs in fuel cell technology will enable levels of performance, room, comfort, and dynamic styling previously unattainable in a fuel cell car.
As the most advanced expression of the electric vehicle concept, Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicle utilizes electricity generated by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack, and electricity stored in its lithium-ion battery pack to power the vehicle’s electric motor. Honda is the first and only automaker with a fuel cell vehicle fully certified to meet all applicable federal government emissions and crash-safety standards. Additionally, Honda is the first and only automaker to lease a fuel cell vehicle to an individual customer with a second customer added in 2007.
Comments (8)
this is quite innovative, a great commuter option.
mind you, i'm not thinking about the oil or other energy used to acquire the necessary hydrogen, or how well this will be received into the market.
regardless, good work Honda, keep it up.
Posted by Dan | October 25, 2007 10:23 AM
Posted on October 25, 2007 10:23
Definitely a step in the right direction for the automotive industry. Once hydrogen is able to be obtained through methods that aren't harmful or are at least less than they currently are, then we'll really have something amazing.
Posted by D! | October 25, 2007 10:37 AM
Posted on October 25, 2007 10:37
I'm fairly impressed by the range number. Still there's a staggering lack of infrastructure for a a car like this, where are they intending to sell it?
Posted by A | October 25, 2007 11:57 AM
Posted on October 25, 2007 11:57
There are a few stations in California (mostly in LA but also in San Francisco and Sacramento apparently) and I read someplace that one is in New York City.
LA could use a couple of these, as could New York given that the time spent in gridlock in both towns is long enough to brew beer in back seat.
I know that Toyota or Honda has this machine that you can plug in at home to make hydrogen: I do not know how expensive it is but apparently it works...
Posted by Allen | October 25, 2007 1:25 PM
Posted on October 25, 2007 13:25
Here are the location of the stations.
http://www.h2stations.org/
Posted by Luke | October 25, 2007 2:23 PM
Posted on October 25, 2007 14:23
I would love to get one of these once it comes out. I have a Honda Civic Hybrid that is okay.. I would love to have something that might feel more like a regular gas only car.
The looks on this car is also very forward thinking..
Maybe they could also make a Hybrid edition like this....
Posted by Andrew | October 25, 2007 10:24 PM
Posted on October 25, 2007 22:24
they should put a v8 in it and add 4X4
Posted by Steadler and Waldorff | October 27, 2007 6:11 AM
Posted on October 27, 2007 06:11
Hydrogen? Meh. I'm much more excited to see their diesel offerings. As someone who generally loves American RWD V8 cars, I'm so disappointed by U.S. automakers and their decision to support BS "alternatives" like ethanol when highly competetive technologies like "clean" diesel already exist. Technologies that don't require excessive subsidies to survive...
When I see Europe and the Japs making such great fuel-efficient cars (that are also powerful!), it makes me even more pessimistic about U.S. auto industry's chances of survival.
Posted by Nick | October 29, 2007 7:59 AM
Posted on October 29, 2007 07:59