First Glance: Finally, a Fuel Cell Car That Doesn’t Look Like a Science Fair Escapee November 30, 2006
Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell technology is reportedly three times more efficient than a gas engine and twice as thrifty as a hybrid. What’s not to like?
Introduced on Wednesday: Honda FCX Concept
What’s the point? You don’t have to be a scientist, rocket or otherwise, to grasp the significance of hydrogen. The universe positively reeks of it. Figure out a way to pump it into cars and you will be the energy baron of tomorrow.
The company line: “The FCX Concept achieves a new dimension in environmentally friendly driving pleasure not found with gasoline-engine vehicles,” said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda.
The view from here: After years of fiddling and fine-tuning, Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell technology is tantalizingly close to production. Three times more efficient than a gas engine? Twice as thrifty as a hybrid? Sign me up.
What makes it tick? In his round of advances, Honda introduces the vertical-flow fuel cell stack, a design that is smaller, lighter and more efficient than earlier efforts. Performance also improves in the critical area of cold start-up, and range is improved by using a more powerful lithium-ion battery.
How much, how soon? If you have to ask how much, you couldn’t afford it. The first FCX production vehicles, due in Japan and the United States in 2008, will be selectively leased, not sold.
How’s it look? Beyond cool. Defies contemporary beliefs that any hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle must be as homely as a 1977 Lada Niva.
- Posted in : Uncategorized
- Author : arnold
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?