Leading Japanese car manufacturer Honda has this week unveiled its new FCX Clarity car at the Los Angeles Auto Show. While that may not appear overly news worthy from a tech standpoint, Honda’s revolutionary vehicle is set to arrive at market in 2008 based upon new Honda V Flow fuel cell technology.
Honda unveils its new hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity car at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Credit: Honda.
With limited lease-based marketing of the vehicle expected in the United States (specifically Southern California) some time in the summer of 2008. Honda is lauding its FCX Clarity as a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle capable of providing significant improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency. The FCX Clarity also boast a "low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance," that has not been possible in other fuel cell vehicles.
"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," trumpeted Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO. "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."
* A 20 percent increase in fuel economy – to the approximate equivalent of 68 mpg2 combined fuel economy (about 2-3 times the fuel economy of a gasoline-powered car, and 1.5 times that of a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, of comparable size and performance).
* A 30 percent increase in vehicle range – of to 270 miles.
* A 25 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, in part from an approximate 400-pound reduction in the fuel cell powertrain weight, for superior performance and efficiency despite a substantial increase in overall vehicle size.
* An advanced new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40 percent lighter and 50 percent smaller than the current-generation FCX’s ultra-capacitor.
* A single 5,000-psi hydrogen storage tank with 10 percent additional hydrogen capacity than the previous FCX model.
Furthermore, the FCX Clarity offers seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric, which arrives as an newly-developed alternative to traditional interior materials that is made from CO2-reducing plant-based material.
Full details related to the proposed lease program will likely be revealed closer to the Clarity’s launch, but current plans would indicate that deals will include a three-year lease period attached to a price of $600 USD per month, which includes maintenance and collision insurance.
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