Honda Unveils Japan Model of FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle

[4LowLocked]

http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080702FCX-Clarity/

Honda Unveils Japan Model of FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle - Leasing in Japan to begin November 2008

TOKYO, Japan, July 2, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled the Japan model of its FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, which will also be displayed at the Environmental Showcase at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit that begins July 7, 2008. Leasing in Japan is scheduled to begin November 2008.

FCX Clarity (Japan model)


FCX Clarity (Japan model)


Initially, leases are to be limited to government agencies and certain corporate customers. Numerous FCX Clarity events are to be held beginning in 2009 at which the public will have the opportunity to come in contact with the FCX Clarity and gain a greater appreciation of the appeal of fuel cell vehicles.

Designed as a dedicated fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity is powered by the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Thanks to the innovative layout of the fuel cell power plant, the FCX Clarity offers superior design, packaging and driving performance. Emitting no CO2 in operation, the FCX Clarity offers not only the ultimate in environmental responsibility but also real-world performance and appeal.

The new lightweight, compact Honda V Flow fuel cell stack offers significantly enhanced performance, with an output of 100kW (compared to 86kW in the conventional FC Stack), as well as enhanced cold climate performance that enables it to start in temperatures as low as -30°C. The lightweight and compact design of the FC Stack allows it to be arranged in the vehicle's center tunnel for a more spacious interior and an elegant, low-riding sedan form. Cruising range has been extended 30% to 620km.* The Japan model also features climate-controlled seats in the rear as well as in the front.
* In 10-15 mode (Honda Calculations)

The combined sales plan for Japan and U.S. calls for a few dozen units a year and about 200 units within three years.

< New Technology >
· Honda Bio-Fabric: the world's first automotive interior covering made from plant-based materials
· Climate-controlled seats (front and rear)
· Compact, easy-to-operate transmission featuring Shift-by-Wire technology (a first for Honda)
· An extra rear window that enhances rearward visibility—privacy is maintained thanks to a layer of polycarbonate film that conceals the trunk room


• FCX Clarity: Principal Specifications (Japan model)
Number of occupants 4
Power train Motor Max. output 100kW
Max. torque 256N·m
Type AC synchronous electric motor
(permanent magnet)
Fuel cell stack Type PEMFC
(Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell)
Max. output 100kW
Lithium ion battery Voltage 288V
Fuel Type Compressed hydrogen
Storage Pressurized hydrogen tank
(35MPa)
Tank capacity 171 liters
Dimensions (L × W × H) 4,835 × 1,845 × 1,470mm
Vehicle weight 1,635kg
Maximum speed 160km/ h
Energy storage Lithium ion battery

[ecchamberlin]

I think this is good from an engineering stand point but these cars still have a long way to go to be a reasonable financial option. It will happen though. If there is a positive aspect of the high oil prices it is the increased push for this type of research.

[paddlenbike]

A friend of mine is looking into buying an FCX--Honda is offering leases in select areas that have refueling centers, including my area. Looking at it realistically, there is limited infrastructure to support refueling, so he would not be able to leave the city with a fuelcell car. (The vehicle range is less than the distance to the next refueling center.)

I think it's a great idea, but I wouldn't buy one until the infrastructure catches up.

[4LowLocked]

Sort of the same deal in terms of infrastructure in Canada for the E85 flex fuel option cars. There are no (or very limited in some areas) places to fill your vehicle using this option

[ecchamberlin]

THe FCX leases are $600/month and that is heavily subsidised to offset the cost of the vehicle which is extremely high. I think Jamie Lee Curtis is one of the leasers slated to get one of these to test.