Honda announced the release of their FCX Clarity for commercial use. The Honda FCX Clarity is a Hydrogen Fueled vehicle that has zero emission and packs an incredible 74 mpg fuel efficiency rate.
While designing and improving the propotype, Honda was aiming to guarantee the following before they would release the vehicle to the public.
- Operable in freezing weather
- Able to drive a reasonable range before refueling
- Easy to refuel
- Sporty and fun to drive
- Spacious and comfortable
It originally started life as a prototype in 1999 and after almost nine years of development the Clarity is what was borne out of it.
Original sales volume is pegged at 200 vehicles which will be leased out in California within the span of 3 years. It currently is going to be leased out at a rate of $600/month.
Since the technology is quite new, consumers might be worried with the overall safety of the vehicles in terms of fuel storage. Honda has said however that they’ve learned a lot from one of their alternative fueled vehicle, the Civic GX Natural Gas Vehicle, and incorporated that knowledge into the safety features of the Clarity’s fuel system.
Hydrogen Safety:
Sensors are located throughout the vehicle to provide a warning in the unlikely event of a hydrogen leak. Should such a leak occur, the ventilation system is activated and an automatic system closes the main cut-off valves on the hydrogen tank or supply lines as necessary. The high-voltage lines are electrically isolated. Sensors provide a warning in case of grounding. In the event of a collision, high-voltage contactors shut down the source power line. Repeated flood and fire testing have confirmed a very high level of safety and reliability.Refueling Safety:
Honda has taken safety precautions with regard to refueling safety. To prevent reverse flow from the tank, the hydrogen filler inlet has an integrated check valve. The fuel intake mechanism is also designed to prevent contamination by other gases or the connection of nozzles designed for hydrogen stored at incompatible pressure levels. [source]
Aside from that, the Clarity also has 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and a Collision Mitigation Braking System.
Mounted on the front of the Clarity is the Honda E-Drive electric motor which has a compact coaxial design that is designed for a quiet ride and greater efficiency and speed.
At the centerline of the vehicle are the Vertical Flow (V Flow) fuel cells designed for compactness. This design also guarantees less heat generation and stable voltage when the electricity flows from the fuel cell.
Under the rear passenger seats are the lithium ion batteries for the fuel cell which also stores the energy captured by the regenerative braking system.
Very cool design indeed. Its the kind of news you want to hear from car manufacturers because it signifies there intent to develop more energy efficient cars for our energy strapped and fossil fuel choked world. This kind of new will send chills down the spines of oil exporting companies. I wonder if you can file for carbon credits for owning this type of vehicle?
Category: Automotive, Fuel Cell, Hydrogen
