Hondanews Online Newsroom

FCX Clarity: New Public Hydrogen Station Adds Convenience for FCX Clarity Customers

Tue, 10 May 2011 09:50:00 -0700

The network of hydrogen refueling stations continues to grow in Southern California with the opening today of the world's first station supplied by an existing hydrogen pipeline. The new Shell hydrogen station, which is conveniently located in Torrance, California, next to several major freeway corridors and near the Los Angeles International Airport, taps into an existing industrial hydrogen pipeline serving a nearby refinery. The station is also outfitted with multiple fuel dispensers, which allow for the simultaneous refueling of four vehicles in less than five minutes.

In an opening ceremony, Honda FCX Clarity customer Jon Spallino became the first retail fuel-cell electric vehicle customer to fill at the station. With this new station operational, FCX Clarity customers will have access to seven hydrogen refueling stations across Southern California. The FCX Clarity is available on a limited retail basis in Southern California with more than two dozen currently on the road and in the hands of individual customers.

"This new Torrance hydrogen station will give FCX Clarity customers another option for quick, convenient fueling," said Elmer Hardy, senior manager, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Sales & Marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "This is a positive step for our FCX Clarity customers and the industry as we continue to put vehicles on the road and demonstrate the real-world capabilities of Honda fuel-cell electric vehicle technology."

Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in an on-board fuel cell, the FCX Clarity delivers quiet, clean power with a small amount of water as its only emissions. The FCX Clarity's fuel efficiency is three times that of a comparably sized modern gasoline-powered automobile, and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle. With a 240-mile EPA-certified driving range and 5 minute refueling time, the zero-emissions FCX Clarity provides customers with a very convenient and anxiety-free driving experience.

The compact and powerful Honda V Flow Fuel Cell Stack allows for unprecedented interior spaciousness and a futuristically stylish, low-slung design previously unattainable in fuel-cell electric vehicles and marks the significant progress that Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of a fuel-cell electric car.

Honda Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle Firsts:

The first generation Honda FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell electric vehicle in July 2002. The FCX was also the world's first production fuel-cell electric vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in October 2002. Additional highlights include:

Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle placed in the hands of an individual retail customer (July 2005).
Honda was the first manufacturer of a dedicated fuel-cell electric vehicle on a production line specifically for hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicles (2008).
Honda was the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell electric vehicle dealer network (2008).
FCX Clarity was the first fuel-cell electric vehicle to pace a U.S. Indy Car Race (2011).

For more information on the FCX Clarity, including high resolution photos and broadcast quality video, please visit www.hondanews.com.

FCX Clarity: Hydrogen-Powered Honda FCX Clarity Will Serve as Pace Car for the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:00:00 -0800

The Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell-electric vehicle will serve as the pace car for the 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 25-27. This is the first-time a hydrogen-powered vehicle will pace an IZOD IndyCar Series race in the United States. As the pace car for the opening race of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar season, the FCX Clarity will lead a competitive field through the challenging 1.8-mile waterfront circuit located in downtown St. Petersburg.

The Honda FCX Clarity is a sleekly styled hydrogen fuel cell-powered sedan currently available on a limited retail basis in Southern California. The vehicle is a key part of Honda's efforts to successfully develop, certify and market zero-emissions vehicles. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in a fuel cell, the FCX Clarity's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a similar-sized gasoline-powered automobile. The FCX Clarity's performance and acceleration are comparable to a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine with an EPA certified range of 240 miles. The compact and powerful Honda V Flow Fuel Cell Stack allows for unprecedented spaciousness and a futuristically stylish, low-slung design and spacious interior.

The FCX Clarity will perform pace car duties at several races throughout the weekend including the IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights events and Acura Sports Car Challenge. Additionally, the FCX Clarity will lead the IZOD IndyCar series cars at the annual Festival of States Parade taking place on Thursday, March 24 in downtown St. Petersburg. The FCX Clarity previously served as the official pace car for the 2008 Indy Japan event held at Twin Ring Motegi in Tochigi, Japan, on April 17, 2008.

Additional FCX Clarity Facts:

Customers pay $600 per month for three years to lease the FCX Clarity from Honda, which covers maintenance costs. This lease program is the world's first large-scale retail initiative for fuel cell electric vehicle technology.
Refueling the FCX Clarity takes less then 5 minutes.
Hydrogen is a domestically sourced alternative fuel which can be made via electrolysis of water, reformed natural gas or renewable biomethane made from waste.

Honda Fuel Cell-Electric Vehicle Firsts:

The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel cell vehicle in July 2002. The FCX was also the world's first production fuel cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in October 2002. Additional highlights include:

The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle placed in the hands of an individual customer (July 2005).
Honda becomes the first auto manufacturer of a dedicated fuel cell vehicle on a production line specifically for hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles (2008).
Honda becomes the first manufacturer to create a fuel cell vehicle dealer network (2008).

For more information on the FCX Clarity, please visit www.hondanews.com. For information on the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, please visit http://www.gpstpete.com.

FCX Clarity: Honda Premieres "The Undying Dream" Short-Film Documentary at 2011 Sundance Film Festival

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:00:00 -0800

As part of the "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE" Documentary Series, today Honda debuted its eighth short-film documentary, "The Undying Dream," at the Sundance Film Festival. Honda's more than 844,000 Facebook fans, as well as its YouTube channel viewers, will also get a sneak peek of "The Undying Dream" today.

"‘The Undying Dream' is about finding your unique strengths and talents and having the passion and resilience to commit to your calling," said Barbara Ponce, manager of corporate advertising for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Sundance Film Festival is the ideal venue to present Honda's new film, as the Sundance Institute and Honda both encourage an independent spirit, taking risks to bring forth bold ideas, and realizing the power of your own dreams in the process."

Directed by Ondi Timoner, the only filmmaker to twice win the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, with producers @radical.media, "The Undying Dream" brings to life a Honda corporate principle — the challenging spirit. This spirit is demonstrated in Honda's quest to pursue and achieve impossible dreams, which has led to the creation of innovative products that enhance human mobility and advance environmental consciousness.

"For our newest film, ‘The Undying Dream,' we had the opportunity to interview some truly amazing and inspirational people — Laird Hamilton, professional surfer; Ashley Fiolek, pro Motocross racer; Jeremy McGrath, Supercross champion; Takanobu Ito, president and CEO, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and other Honda associates — who discuss their passion for achieving their dreams while realizing there's always a new goal coming up right behind it," said writer and producer Todd Carey at RPA, Honda's longstanding advertising agency of record.

"The Undying Dream" will screen at the "Honda Power of Dreams Experience," an interactive venue showcasing unique Honda products highlighting innovation, environmental leadership and advanced technology. In the exhibit, Honda will conduct demonstrations of the world's most advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO, as well as display some of the company's innovative products, such as the Honda FCX Clarity, a cutaway of the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid, a 12-foot scale model of the HondaJet, and Honda motorcycle products, including an interactive motorcycle rider safety and training simulator. The "Honda Power of Dreams Experience" is open to the public free of charge Fri., Jan. 21, through Wed., Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. "The Undying Dream" will be shown every hour on the half hour starting at 10:30 a.m.

Beyond the Sundance Film Festival, "The Undying Dream" will be supported in-theater and online. Spots of either 90 or 30 seconds will be featured on the YouTube masthead and full-episode players. The full-length film and corresponding 90-second trailer will also air on TiVo.

Launched in January 2009, the "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE" Documentary Series is intended to speak to both the hearts and minds of consumers by revealing stories of Honda's corporate philosophy at work through an intimate multimedia, interactive website.

The campaign, developed by RPA, targets 25- to 49-year-old adults with a youthful spirit, who are comfortable with technology, who value authenticity, and who are drawn to brands they can relate to, connect with, or admire.

Credits

Film

Chief Creative Officer: David Smith
Writers: Todd Carey, Curt Johnson
Agency Senior Producer: Isadora Chesler
Executive Producers: Barbara Ponce, Gary Paticoff, Jon Kamen, Frank Scherma, Frank Stiefel, Justin Wilkes
Production Company: @radical.media
Producers: Liz Bradley, Todd Carey, Curt Johnson
Director: Ondi Timoner
DP/Lighting/Cameraman: Andrij Parekh
Editor: Ting Poo/Outpost Digital
Original Soundtrack: Q Department.
Post Production: Method Studios, CD/Flame Artist: Claus Hansen
Telecine: Co3, Artist: Siggy Ferstl
Graphic Designer: Dave Dimeola
Photographer: Davi Russo

Interactive
Chief Creative Officer: David Smith
Executive Producer, Content: Gary Paticoff
Senior Producer, Content: Isadora Chesler
Creative Director/Art: Curt Johnson
Associate Creative Director/Copy: Todd Carey
Senior Art Director/Art: David Mesfin
Senior Copywriter: Brenna Hajek
User Experience Lead: Alex Yra
Technology Director: Scott Westerfield
Technologist/Flash: Jeff Siegal

About Honda
As a company devoted to the advancement of human mobility, Honda's innovative research and development efforts during the past decade have yielded such diverse outcomes as humanoid robotics, walking assist devices, HondaJet, fuel cell electric vehicle technology, thin film solar cells, increased rice crop yields and functional nano-materials – in addition to the design and development of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products. Based on its belief in the value of technology to address the needs of society, it is Honda's mission to develop products that anticipate and satisfy the evolving needs of its customers while meeting society's demand for cleaner, safer, more efficient and sustainable means of transportation and human mobility.

Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news

Honda Multimedia Newsroom (For Media Only):
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/americanhonda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

About RPA
RPA, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., is a leading independent advertising agency. RPA builds momentum for brands by offering its clients truly integrated campaigns that resonate throughout its disciplines, which include traditional advertising, interactive, and direct and event marketing. RPA's client list includes American Honda, both the Honda and Acura brands, California Department of Public Health, La-Z-Boy, Farmers Insurance Group, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino, and Excalibur Hotel & Casino, and it is the media planning and buying agency for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Lenox Financial Mortgage. For more information, visit http://www.rpa.com.

About @radical.media
@radical.media is a global transmedia company that creates some of the world's most innovative content. The company produces and distributes television, feature films, commercials, music programming, digital content and design. @radical.media has produced award-winning projects, including the Academy Award®-winning documentaryThe Fog of War; the Grammy Award®-winningConcert for George; the Independent Spirit Award-winningMetallica: Some Kind of Monster; the pilot episode of the Emmy® and Golden Globe®winning seriesMad Men; the Emmy®-winning10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed Americafor the History Channel; the critically acclaimed seriesIconoclastsfor the Sundance Channel; and more recently,Master Class,for Oprah's new channel OWN, and the documentarySummit on the Summitfor MTV.The company is currently in production on programs for HBO, MTV, Discovery and OWN. www.radicalmedia.com

FCX Clarity: Honda Brings the "Power of Dreams Experience" to Sundance Film Festival 2011

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 -0800

For the first time, Honda is creating a "Power of Dreams Experience" exhibit at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. The interactive venue will showcase unique Honda products highlighting innovation, environmental leadership and advanced technology. Festival attendees and local residents will have the opportunity to visit the "Honda Power of Dreams Experience" for six days, Fri., Jan. 21, through Wed., Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 268 Main Street, Park City, Utah. The venue is open to the public free of charge.

The "Honda Power of Dreams Experience" will feature live 10-minute demonstrations of the world's most advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility). Designed to someday assist people in their homes, ASIMO is the culmination of more than two decades of research and development by Honda engineers. ASIMO demonstrations will take place hourly starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m.

Other Honda products on display inside Honda's Main Street location include the Honda FCX Clarity, the world's most advanced fuel cell electric vehicle; a cutaway of the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid, the first hybrid with a 6-speed manual transmission; a 12-foot scale model of the HondaJet, Honda's first advanced light business jet; and Honda motorcycle products, including a Honda Gold Wing with the industry's first motorcycle airbag, a Honda CBR250R entry-level motorcycle, a Honda PCX mid-size scooter and an interactive motorcycle rider safety and training simulator.

In the exhibit, Honda will also premiere "The Undying Dream," the eighth and newest film in its popular "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE" Documentary Series. "The Undying Dream" features Big Wave professional surfer Laird Hamilton, along with motorcycle racers and Honda associates (employees) sharing stories about what happens when a dream takes hold of you and drives you to succeed. "The Undying Dream" was directed by Sundance Film Festival two-time Grand Jury Prize Winner, Ondi Timoner (Cool It, We Live in Public, Join Us, Dig!). The film will screen at the Honda Power of Dreams venue every hour on the half hour.

Honda has been a supporter of the Sundance Institute and an official sponsor of the Sundance Film Festival for three years. Honda is also the exclusive sponsor of Sundance Channel's "Interview" program at the Honda Power of Dreams Studio at the Sundance Film Festival. This program will feature talent from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival selections and will run on Sundance Channel, online and via Video on Demand.

In addition, Honda is sponsoring a Sundance Institute video vignette that highlights the work of the Sundance Institute Labs in supporting independent filmmaking. The vignette will premiere at an official Dramatic Competition film premiere during the opening weekend of Sundance and will rotate prior to every Dramatic Film screening at the Sundance Film Festival. The vignette also will run on Sundance Channel, online and via Video on Demand.

Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (For Media Only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/americanhonda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

Sundance Institute
Sundance Institute is a global nonprofit organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981. Through its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, composers and playwrights, the Institute seeks to discover and support independent film and theatre artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work. The Institute promotes independent storytelling to inform, inspire, and unite diverse populations around the globe. Internationally recognized for its annual Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Institute has nurtured such projects as Born into Brothels, Trouble the Water, Son of Babylon, Amreeka, An Inconvenient Truth, Spring Awakening, Light in the Piazza and Angels in America. www.sundance.org

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity Paves the Way Toward a Zero-Emissions Future

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:03:56 -0700

The Honda FCX Clarity is a sleekly styled hydrogen fuel cell-electric-powered sedan currently available on a limited retail basis in Southern California. The FCX Clarity is a key part of Honda's efforts to successfully develop, certify and distribute zero-emissions vehicles.

Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in a fuel cell, the FCX Clarity’s only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle. The compact and powerful Honda V Flow Fuel Cell Stack allows for unprecedented spaciousness and a futuristically stylish, low-slung design previously unattainable in fuel cell electric vehicles and marks the significant progress that Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of a fuel cell electric car.

The FCX Clarity lease program marked its two-year anniversary on July 25, 2010. Customers pay $600 per month for three years to lease the FCX Clarity from Honda, which covers maintenance costs. This lease program is the world's first large-scale retail initiative for fuel cell electric vehicle technology. Since its launch, more than 70,000 individuals have expressed interest in leasing the FCX Clarity and have signed up on the vehicle website: www.fcx.honda.com.

Honda began operation of the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station, a next-generation solar hydrogen station prototype in January, 2010, at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. The system is ultimately intended for use as a home-based refueling appliance that is capable of refilling a fuel cell electric vehicle overnight. Compatible with a "smart grid" energy system, the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station would enable users to refill their vehicle overnight without the requirement of hydrogen storage, which would lower CO2 emissions by using less expensive off-peak electrical power. During daytime peak power demand, the Solar Hydrogen Station can export renewable electricity to the grid, providing a cost benefit to the customer, while remaining energy neutral.

Honda Fuel Cell-Electric Vehicle Firsts:
The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel cell vehicle in July 2002. The FCX was also the world’s first production fuel cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in October 2002. Additional highlights include:

The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle placed in the hands of an individual customer (July 2005).
Honda becomes the first auto manufacturer of a dedicated fuel cell vehicle on a production line specifically for hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles (2008)
Honda becomes the first manufacturer to create a fuel cell vehicle dealer network (2008)

FCX Clarity: 2011 Honda FCX Specifications and Features

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:09:56 -0700

ENGINEERING	FCX Clarity
Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System	•
Shift-by-Wire Gear Selector	•
Front-Wheel Drive	•
CARB Emissions Rating	ZEV

V FLOW FUEL CELL STACK	FCX Clarity
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)	•
Power Output	100kW
Size (liters)	57
Weight (lbs)	148

ELECTRIC POWER STORAGE	FCX Clarity
Lithium-Ion Battery	•
Output (Volts)	288

ELECTRIC MOTOR	FCX Clarity
AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Motor	•
Horsepower (SAE net)	134
Torque (lb-ft. @ rpm)	189 @ 0 - 3,056
Power Output	100kW

BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS	FCX Clarity
Double Wishbone Front Suspension	•
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension	•
Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear)	28.6 / 14.0
Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)	•
Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock	3.3
Steering Ratio	16.1 :1
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft)	35.4
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (front/rear)	•
Wheels	16" Aluminum Alloy/Resin Aerodynamic Wheels
All-Season Tires	215/60 R16 95H

EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	FCX Clarity
Wheelbase (in.)	110.2
Length (in.)	190.3
Height (in.)	57.8
Width (in.)	72.7
Track (in., front/rear)	62.2 / 62.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3582
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear)	53/47

INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	FCX Clarity
Headroom (in, front/rear)	38.6 / 37.1
Legroom (in, front/rear)	41.9 / 37.9
Shoulder Room (in, front/rear)	58.8 / 56.2
Hiproom (in, front/rear)	57.5 / 54.6
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)	13.1 (includes storage well)
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)	100.8
Seating Capacity	4

*EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATES/CAPACITIES**	FCX Clarity
Miles-Per-Kilogram (City/Highway/Combined)	60 / 60 / 60
Driving Range	240
Fuel Capacity (Nominal) / System Pressure	4.1 kg @ 5000psi
Required Fuel	Compressed Hydrogen Gas
Fuel economy estimates and driving range based on EPA test data. Your actual driving distance will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

SAFETY	FCX Clarity
3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions	•
Front Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder	•
Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)	•
Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)	•
Side Curtain Airbags	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Active Head Restraints	•
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control	•
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)	•
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	•
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)	•
Brake Assist	•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	•
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	•
Side-Impact Door Beams	•
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	•
Child-Proof Rear Door Locks	•
Emergency Trunk Release	•

EXTERIOR FEATURES	FCX Clarity
Roof-Mounted Antenna	•
Aluminum Alloy/Resin Aerodynamic Wheels	•
Security System	•
Remote Entry System with Trunk Release	•
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers	•
Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors	•
Satin-Finish Door Handles	•
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights	•
Combination LED Brakelights	•
Aluminum Hood/Trunk/Fenders/Doors	•

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE	FCX Clarity
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System	•
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation SystemTM with Voice Recognition and Rearview Camera	•
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® *	•
Interface Dial with Scrolling and Multi-Line Display	•
Vehicle Start Button	•
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)	•
HomeLink® Remote System **	•
Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's and Front Passenger's Windows	•
Illuminated Power Window Switches	•
Power Door Locks	•
Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio and Cruise Controls	•
Steering Wheel-Mounted Navigation and Phone Controls	•
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column	•
Beverage Holders, Front and Rear	•
Front Passenger's Illuminated Vanity Mirror	•
Blue Ambient Console Lighting	•
Map Lights	•
Sunglasses Holder	•
12-Volt Power Outlet	•
Lockable Glove Compartment with Light	•
Driver- and Passenger-Side Seatback Pockets	•
Remote Trunk Release	•
Remote Fuel Filler Door Release	•
Rear Window Defroster	•
Cargo Area Light	•
Floor Mats	•
Side Door Pockets	•
*HomeLink® is a registered trademark of Price Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls™
**The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

SEATING	FCX Clarity
Honda Bio-Fabric-Trimmed Interior	•
Heated and Cooled Front Seats	•

AUDIO SYSTEM	FCX Clarity
AM/FM/CD Audio System with 6 Speakers	•
MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) Playback Capability	•
XM® Radio *	•
USB Audio Interface	•
* Required XM® Radio monthly subscription sold separately after 90 day trial period. Installation costs and other fees and taxes may apply after initial trial period, including a one-time activation fee. Subscription fee is consumer only. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscriptions subject to Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. XM service only available in the 48 contiguous United States. The XM name is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

INSTRUMENTATION	FCX Clarity
Maintenance Minder™ System	•
Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters (2)	•
Door/Trunk-Open Indicators	•
Exterior Temperature Indicator	•
Instantaneous Hydrogen Consumption Meter	3-D Sphere
Hydrogen Fuel-Level Indicator	•
Low Fuel Indicator	•
Lithium-Ion Battery Charge and Assist Indicators	•
Miles-to-Empty Indicator	•

FCX Clarity: Honda Marks a Decade of Environmental Leadership with Fifth Consecutive "Greenest Automaker" Award from Union of Concerned Scientists

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:00:56 -0700

Honda has been named America's "Greenest Automaker" for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The award is earned by the company with the lowest combined score of its smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet.

Honda has led the UCS rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since the first UCS study in 2000, marking a decade of Honda leadership in reduced vehicle emissions. Honda earned the recognition this year with an industry-best score based on model year 2008 data, the latest available for analysis.

"As with the past four awards, we accept this fifth honor as both recognition of our success and a challenge for the future," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We continue to accelerate our efforts to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions that contribute to global climate change."

"Honda's decade-long claim to the Greenest Automaker title has set a high bar for the industry," said Jim Kliesch, a senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists. "The companies that do best in our analysis continually strive not only to sell the greenest vehicles, but also to green their best-sellers."

Honda's efforts to improve fuel efficiency have resulted in a 1 mpg gain in the company's U.S. corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) for model year 2009, up 3.3% over the previous model year to 31.3 mpg, and 9.8% above the MY2009 industry average of 28.8 mpg, as determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Since MY2005, Honda's CAFE has increased 7.2%, outpacing the company's voluntary goal, established in May 2006, to achieve a 5% gain in CAFE over 2005 levels by 2010.

More recently, Honda has taken a number of important steps in advancing the fuel economy and emissions performance of its U.S. automobile fleet. This includes the introduction of the Insight as the world's most affordable hybrid car and the CR-Z as the world's first production sport hybrid coupe. Further, the all-new 2011 Odyssey minivan and redesigned 2011 Accord made significant gains in fuel economy through the use of more efficient low-friction engines and improved vehicle aerodynamics.

Honda also continues its leadership in the area of alternative-fuel vehicles. Retail sales of its natural gas-powered Civic GX Sedan were recently expanded to dealers in Oklahoma and Utah, in addition to California and New York. Honda's FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, currently leased to a limited number of customers in Southern California, is arguably the world's most advanced zero-emissions automobile with zero tailpipe emissions and fuel efficiency three times that of a comparable, gasoline-powered automobile.

Additionally, in July 2010, the company announced plans to introduce a battery-electric commuter-sized vehicle and plug-in hybrid technology for mid-size and larger vehicles in the U.S., both beginning in 2012. These market initiatives will be preceded by U.S. demonstration programs beginning in 2010 and continuing in 2011 with Stanford University, Google Inc., and the City of Torrance, California.

Honda is also developing its own infrastructure solutions to the alternative-fuel vehicle equation. To address the opportunity for zero-emissions commuting in a fuel cell electric vehicle, in January of this year Honda began operating a next-generation solar-powered hydrogen production and refueling station on its Los Angeles R&D campus. The station uses power derived from Honda-developed and -manufactured thin-film solar cells to provide fuel for daily commuting in a carbon-free energy cycle.

About the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based non-profit organization working for a healthier environment and a safer world. UCS conducts an analysis of major U.S. automakers every two years. This year's report analyzes fuel economy and emissions certification standards of each company's car and light truck fleet to determine its overall contribution of smog-forming and heat trapping emissions. Honda also topped the rankings in the 2007, 2004, 2002 and 2000 UCS reports.

About American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982. With nine U.S. plants, Honda has invested more than $12.7 billion in its U.S. operations. The company employs nearly 25,000 associates and annually purchases $12 billion in parts and materials from more than 530 U.S. suppliers. Honda vehicles are manufactured using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

To download broadcast-quality footage, click here.

Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (For Press Only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/alicia_at_honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web site: http://www.honda.com

# # #

FCX Clarity: Honda Provides Gasoline-Free Vehicles for White House Correspondents' Association Weekend

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:25:00 -0700

In support of the White House Correspondents' Association's (WHCA) effort to reduce the carbon impact surrounding its annual black tie gala, Honda will be providing a gasoline-free fleet of vehicles to shuttle select VIPs and guests to the event. The eco-friendly Honda cars will hit the streets of Washington D.C. from April 30 through May 1, shuttling passengers to the WHCA dinner and to the various events that run throughout the weekend.

The highlight of the fleet will be the use of a zero emissions, hydrogen powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle. The sleek and modern sedan is propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in an on-board hydrogen fuel cell. The FCX Clarity's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle.

Along with the FCX Clarity, several compressed natural gas -powered Civic GXs will be transporting guests around Washington D.C. The Honda Civic GX is the cleanest internal combustion vehicle ever certified by the EPA and was named the "Greenest Vehicle" by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

To kick off the Correspondents' Weekend, the gasoline-free fleet will transport select invitees to the Honda, The Washington Post and Funnyordie.com sponsored First Amendment Party in Georgetown. The second annual event takes place on April 30th and benefits the Impact Arts + Film Fund, a Washington D.C.-based arts organization.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com.

FCX Clarity: Honda Begins Operation of New Solar Hydrogen Station

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:00:00 -0800

Honda today began operation of a next generation solar hydrogen station prototype at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., intended for ultimate use as a home refueling appliance capable of an overnight refill of fuel cell electric vehicles.

Designed as a single, integrated unit to fit in the user's garage, Honda's next generation Solar Hydrogen Station reduces the size of the system, while producing enough hydrogen (0.5kg) via an 8-hour overnight fill for daily commuting (10,000 miles per year) for a fuel cell electric vehicle.

The previous solar hydrogen station system required both an electrolyzer and a separate compressor unit to create high pressure hydrogen. The compressor was the largest and most expensive component and reduced system efficiency. By creating a new high differential pressure electrolyzer, Honda engineers were able to eliminate the compressor entirely - a world's first for a home use system. This innovation also reduces the size of other key components to make the new station the world's most compact system, while improving system efficiency by more than 25% (value calculated based on simulations) compared to the solar hydrogen station system it replaces.

Compatible with a "Smart Grid" energy system, the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station would enable users to refill their vehicle overnight without the requirement of hydrogen storage, which would lower CO2 emissions by using less expensive off-peak electrical power. During daytime peak power times, the Solar Hydrogen Station can export renewable electricity to the grid, providing a cost benefit to the customer, while remaining energy neutral.

Designed for simple, user-friendly operation, the intuitive system layout enables the user to easily lift and remove the fuel hose, with no hose coiling when the hose is returned to the dispenser unit.

Engineered for an 8-hour, slow fill for overnight refilling of a fuel cell electric vehicle, the home-use Solar Hydrogen Station would replenish the hydrogen for a typical daily driving, meeting the commuting requirements of many drivers. As with the previous generation system, the hydrogen purity from the new station meets the highest SAE (J2719) and ISO (14687) specifications.

Installed at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, the new Solar Hydrogen Station will employ the same 48-panel, 6.0kW solar array that powered the previous system. The array utilizes thin film solar cells composed of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) produced by Honda Soltec Co., Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda that was established for the mass production and sales of solar cells capable of efficient renewable electricity generation. Honda's unique solar cells reduce the amount of CO2 generated during production as compared to conventional solar cells.

Designed to support the needs of the future owners of fuel cell electric vehicles, the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station was also designed to complement a public network of fast fill hydrogen stations. The Honda FCX Clarity electric vehicle is fast fill capable and offers an EPA-estimated driving range of 240 miles. With fast fill public stations providing 5-minute fueling time for longer trips, and the opportunity of convenient nighttime slow filling at home using a solar station with a Smart Grid connection, the Honda FCX Clarity can cover a wide range of driving demands from the daily commute to weekend trips.

A key strategy in creating a solar hydrogen station for home-use was to create a new lifestyle with convenient, clean, energy-efficient and sustainable home refueling, by addressing the need for refueling infrastructure that can advance the wider use of fuel cell electric vehicles by consumers.

The combination of a fuel cell electric vehicle and the solar hydrogen station could help lead to the establishment of a hydrogen society based on renewable energy, resulting in a major reduction of CO2 emissions and greater energy sustainability.

Honda began operation of its first Solar Hydrogen Station at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas in 2001:

July 2001: 3-unit system with hydrogen storage begins operation.

October 2003: new 2-unit system with an original Honda electrolyzer and a new solar array utilizing prototype Honda CIGS solar cells offers improved system efficiency.
August 2008: solar array fitted with mass production CIGS cells from Honda Soltec Co., reducing the size of the array by 20% and further improving photo voltaic (PV) energy efficiency.
January 2010: new single-unit station begins operation, improving to world's best system efficiency - increasing the efficiency by more than 25% (value calculated based on simulations) compared to the previous solar hydrogen station system, for a world's highest system efficiency.

About Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
Honda R&D Americas, Inc. (HRA) is responsible for creating advanced technologies and products in the U.S. that provide new value to Honda and Acura customers. HRA began R&D operations in the U.S. in 1975 with market research activities in California, and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 35 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development, as well as taking a leading role in the advancement of leading-edge safety and environmental technologies.

Today, Honda operates 15 major R&D facilities in the U.S. with more than 1,300 designers, engineers and support personnel engaged in the development of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products for North America and global markets.

HRA's major centers include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance, CA), responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, OH) responsible for complete product development, testing and support of North American supplier development; and a dynamic test facility in Ohio; and the North Carolina Center (Swepsonville, NC) responsible for power equipment R&D.

FCX Clarity: Honda Delivers FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to 2010 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team Captain Scott Niedermayer

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:55:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., delivered a zero emissions hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle today to its latest customer, 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team captain, Scott Niedermayer. Also a team captain for the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League team, Niedermayer is a leader both on and off the ice, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle and the protection of natural resources.

"My love for nature and the outdoors developed while growing up in Canada and I hope the generations after me get to experience nature as I have," said Scott Niedermayer. "Everyday actions, like driving the zero-emissions Honda FCX Clarity, will help to make this dream a reality."

Honda's FCX Clarity produces electricity onboard from hydrogen via Honda's innovative V Flow fuel cell stack with water vapor as its only emission. Significant advances include exhilarating performance, futuristic sedan packaging and a driving range of up to 240 miles*. FCX Clarity's fuel efficiency is three times that of a comparable, modern gasoline-powered automobile.

"The FCX Clarity demonstrates Honda's commitment to developing zero-emissions vehicles, and we believe that having drivers like Scott Niedermayer behind the wheel of a Honda FCX Clarity is a great way to reach out to a new audience of drivers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "We hope that Scott's example of driving the FCX Clarity will inspire fans and other athletes to consider more environmentally responsible products."

Niedermayer and his wife, Lisa, reside in Orange County, California, with their four sons. The family enjoys the outdoors together by camping and mountain biking. Their love of nature has inspired the family to seek a greener lifestyle that includes changes such as adding insulation around the family home and installing a radiant barrier on the roof to conserve energy. Niedermayer already carpools to games with his fellow teammates and promotes a recycling program around his team's dressing room.

Honda's advanced fuel cell electric vehicles have been tested and proven through a series of successful partnerships over the last seven years with various fleet users and retail customers. A small but growing network of hydrogen fuel stations in Southern California allow for vehicle refueling in about five minutes and offer a clean, domestic energy supply for transportation. Honda has gained extensive experience from the deployment of several generations of its fuel cell electric vehicle technology with the ultimate goal of achieving the mass-market commercialization of zero-emissions fuel cell vehicles.

*Fuel economy estimates and driving range based on EPA test data. Your actual driving distance will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity Named 2009 World Green Car

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:36:00 -0700

Recognizing Honda's commitment to environmental leadership in the area of alternative fuels and hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology, the Honda FCX Clarity was declared the 2009 World Green Car, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

At a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show and Mobil 1 at the Jacob Javits Center in, New York, the Honda FCX Clarity was named the 2009 World Green Car. The FCX Clarity was chosen from an initial entry list of 22 contenders nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries worldwide.

"The FCX Clarity is a symbol of the progress we have made with fuel cell vehicles and our commitment to developing vehicles that promote renewable energy supplies and zero-emissions transportation," said Steve Center, vice president, national Marketing Operations for American Honda.

The FCX Clarity, a sleekly styled hydrogen fuel cell-powered sedan currently available on a limited lease-basis, is propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated by an on-board fuel cell stack. The vehicle's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is up to three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle.

The World Green Car awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.

For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda award winners and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

FCX Clarity: Honda FC Sport Design Study Suggests Hydrogen Sports Car Future

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:01:00 -0800

Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda's V Flow fuel cell technology - already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan - and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.

"The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."

The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle's performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport's low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.

The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.

The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver's left and right side.

The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle's racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a "naked bike" motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.

The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport's clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle's unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.

The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, in Pasadena, California, developed the FC Sport design study with the primary objective of using existing fuel cell technology as the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car. Designer Jason Wilbur led the design efforts.
Honda R&D Americas, Inc. began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 33 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development. Recent development efforts include trend-setting products such as the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si.

In 2008, the company opened two new design centers in Southern California: the Acura Design Studio (Torrance), for the research and design of new Acura products; and the Advanced Design Studio (Pasadena), for the exploration and development of advanced design themes for both Honda and Acura.

The company operates 11 major R&D facilities in North America, including a full vehicle development center in Raymond, Ohio, and three design studios in Southern California. Honda R&D designers, engineers and support personnel are engaged in the development of Honda and Acura automobiles, powersports products, and power equipment for North America and global markets. The company's main centers of operation include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance, California), responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, Ohio), responsible for complete product development, testing, and support of North American supplier and manufacturing operations; and a dynamic test facility in Cantil, California.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity Paves the Way for Hydrogen-powered Future

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:59:00 -0700

The FCX Clarity, a sleekly-styled hydrogen fuel cell-powered sedan currently available on a limited retail basis, is at the forefront of Honda's efforts to successfully develop, certify and distribute zero emissions hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in a fuel cell, the vehicle's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle. The compact and powerful Honda V Flow Fuel Cell Stack allows for unprecedented spaciousness and a futuristically-stylish, low-slung design previously unattainable in fuel cell vehicles and marks the significant progress that Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of a fuel cell car.

Honda plans to deliver approximately 200 FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles to customers in the first three years of production. The lease program marks the world's first large-scale retail initiative for fuel cell vehicle technology. The first FCX Clarity retail customer took possession of their vehicle on July 25, 2008. Honda will continue the process of identifying customers from a group of over 50,000 individuals who have expressed interest in the FCX Clarity on the vehicle's website, fcx.honda.com.

Reinforcing its commitment to further advance Honda fuel cell technology, American Honda has specified three Southern California dealerships to create the world's first fuel cell automobile dealership network. Power Honda Costa Mesa, Honda of Santa Monica and Scott Robinson Honda in Torrance are each located in close proximity to hydrogen refueling stations and will be well-positioned to support Honda's growing base of FCX Clarity customers.

American Honda is working with its dealer partners to implement processes for fuel cell vehicle lease, delivery and service support for the duration of their leases. Establishing a dedicated sales network and service infrastructure provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local FCX Clarity dealer. American Honda will perform all required work at its specialized fuel cell service facility in the greater Los Angeles area. Upon completion of the work, the dealer will return the vehicle to the customer.

Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle Firsts

The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel cell vehicle to also meet all safety standards in July 2002. The FCX was also the world's first production fuel cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in October 2002. Additional highlights include:

The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle placed in the hands of an individual customer, the Spallino family of Southern California (July 2005).
The world's youngest fuel cell customer, 17-year-old actress Q'orianka Kilcher leased an FCX in March 2007, making her the first person ever whose first car was powered by hydrogen.
Honda becomes the first auto manufacturer to manufacture a dedicated fuel cell vehicle on a production line solely dedicated to the production of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles (2008)
Honda becomes the first manufacturer to create a fuel cell vehicle dealer network

Hydrogen Home Energy Station and Improved Solar-Cell Technology

Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the "chicken and the egg" dilemma of hydrogen refueling by testing the fourth generation Home Energy Station, developed in partnership with Plug Power, Inc..

The Home Energy Station is a home-based refueling unit that provides hydrogen from natural gas for vehicle refueling, heat for domestic hot water use and electricity for the home.
Honda R&D is also operating an experimental solar cell-powered hydrogen refueling station in Torrance, California. The station employs next-generation CIGS solar cells, developed by Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., which lowers the amount of non-renewable energy required for hydrogen production.

FCX Clarity: Honda Delivers FCX Clarity to Jamie Lee Curtis

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:01:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that its second FCX Clarity customer, Jamie Lee Curtis, took delivery of the vehicle on July 31, 2008. Curtis and husband Christopher Guest are the second of approximately 200 customers who will begin leasing the vehicle in the United States and Japan over the next three years.

"I really wasn't expecting it to be so luxurious," said Curtis. "It's luxurious, luxurious, luxurious! I love the interior layout, design and access to controls. It is user-friendly and very modern."

Actress and children's book author Curtis and her husband, filmmaker Guest, live in Santa Monica. They have owned other alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles and continue to seek out ways to live and advocate a greener lifestyle.

Ron Yerxa and Annette Ballester, Santa Monica residents, took delivery of the first FCX Clarity on July 25, 2008.

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. Significant advances over Honda's previous generation FCX include a 25 percent increase in combined fuel economy to 72 miles/kg-H2* (74 mpg GGE <miles per gasoline gallon equivalent>) and a greater than 30 percent increase in driving range up to 280 miles*. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, the vehicle's only by-products are heat and water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile.

*Based on official 2008 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of the FCX Clarity and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information on the FCX Clarity lease program, please visit fcx.honda.com.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle Lease Program Begins with First Customer Delivery

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:18:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that Ron Yerxa and Annette Ballester took delivery of their hydrogen fuel cell-powered FCX Clarity on Friday, July 25, 2008 at Honda of Santa Monica, one of three dealerships in Southern California that are part of the first fuel cell vehicle dealership network. Yerxa and Ballester are the world's first FCX Clarity customers and the first of approximately 200 customers who will lease the vehicle in the United States and Japan over the next three years, with the vast majority of vehicles being leased in Southern California.

"The FCX Clarity lease program is one more step toward meeting the societal goals of climate stability, renewable energy supplies and zero-emissions transportation," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "With this key step, we are advancing toward the goal of broader commercialization," Mendel added. "Establishing a dedicated sales network and service infrastructure provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest level of satisfaction."

Significant advances over Honda's previous generation FCX include a 25 percent increase in combined fuel economy to 72 miles/kg-H2* (74 mpg GGE <miles per gasoline gallon equivalent>) and a greater than 30 percent increase in driving range up to 280 miles*. The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, the vehicle's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile.

*Based on official 2008 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of the FCX Clarity and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information on the FCX Clarity lease program, please visit fcx.honda.com

FCX Clarity: Honda Announces First FCX Clarity Customers and World's First Fuel Cell Vehicle Dealership Network as Clarity Production Begins in Japan

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:58:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced five of the first customers for its advanced new FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle and also provided details of the world's first fuel cell vehicle dealership network in the United States. The announcements were made during a ceremony for the start of FCX Clarity production at the world's first dedicated fuel cell vehicle manufacturing facility in Japan.

Film producer Ron Yerxa will take delivery of the first FCX Clarity in July. The remaining four early adopters for Honda's next-generation fuel cell vehicle are author and actress Jamie Lee Curtis and her filmmaker husband Christopher Guest; business owner and car enthusiast Jim Salomon; actress Laura Harris; and Jon Spallino, already the world's first retail fuel cell vehicle customer, who has been leasing the current generation FCX since 2005. Yerxa, Harris and Spallino attended the event in Japan.

To provide its customers with outstanding sales and service support and as a critical step in advancing fuel cell vehicles in the real world, American Honda announced the establishment of the first network of dealers to facilitate the sales and service of fuel cell vehicles. The three Southern California Honda dealers are Power Honda Costa Mesa (Costa Mesa), Honda of Santa Monica (Santa Monica) and Scott Robinson Honda (Torrance).

"This is an important day in the history of fuel cell vehicle technology and a monumental step closer to the day when fuel cell cars will be part of the mainstream," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Our customers and dealers share in our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future, and share in our challenge to embrace a new generation of automotive technology that we think will carry the auto industry and its customers into the future."

FCX Clarity Customers

The five customers announced today were among the very first people to share with Honda their passion for the environment and interest in the FCX Clarity, dating back to its debut as a concept model at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. The initial criteria for fuel cell vehicle ownership, including proximity to hydrogen refueling stations, driving patterns and vehicle needs, all played a part in Honda's customer selection process.

"Auto companies can't explore the potential for fuel cell technology as the ultimate solution to our world's energy and environmental challenges by ourselves. Our customers are true pioneers and leaders in the effort to bring fuel cell technology to the marketplace," said Mendel.

Ron Yerxa, a film producer and partner at Bona Fide Productions, is a long-time car enthusiast and advocate for the environment. He lives with his wife, Annette Ballester, in Santa Monica, California. Yerxa first learned of the FCX Concept vehicle from a car magazine and contacted American Honda to share his interest and enthusiasm.

Jon Spallino, partner and Chief Financial Officer of an Irvine, California-based engineering and construction firm and the world's first retail customer of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle, is excited to trade in his first-generation FCX for the all-new FCX Clarity. Having lived with fuel cell technology for three years now, Spallino and his family, residents of Redondo Beach, California, are looking forward to the all-new vehicle's vastly improved performance, enhanced features, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced four-door, four-passenger sedan design.

Actress and children's book author Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband, filmmaker Christopher Guest, also live with their family in Santa Monica. Curtis and Guest have owned other alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, and they continue to seek out ways to live and advocate a greener lifestyle.

Jim Salomon, a business owner and car enthusiast, resides in Newport Beach, California with his family and will be American Honda's first retail customer to regularly refuel at the recently renovated Irvine hydrogen refueling station. Salomon and his family live in a home he designed and built with an emphasis on energy efficiency as well as recycled and sustainable materials.

Actress and green advocate Laura Harris learned about the FCX Clarity from a friend and test drove a prototype car at the Los Angeles auto show in November 2007. Canadian-born Harris lives in Silverlake, California, and will refuel primarily in Burbank. Lessons learned from her usage patterns and experiences can help pave the way for eventual market expansion outside of the Irvine, Torrance, and Santa Monica areas.

Honda previously announced plans to deliver about 200 FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles in the U.S. and Japan to customers in the first three years of production, with leases beginning in July. The lease program marks the world's first large-scale retail initiative for fuel cell vehicle technology.

First-ever Fuel Cell Vehicle Dealership Network

Reinforcing its commitment to further advance Honda fuel cell technology, American Honda announced that three Southern California dealerships will comprise the world's first fuel cell automobile dealership network. Power Honda Costa Mesa, Honda of Santa Monica and Scott Robinson Honda are each located in close proximity to hydrogen refueling stations and will be well-positioned to support Honda's growing base of FCX Clarity customers.

American Honda is working with its dealer partners to implement processes for fuel cell vehicle lease, delivery and service support for the duration of their leases. Establishing a dedicated sales network and service infrastructure provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local FCX Clarity dealer.
American Honda will perform all required work at its specialized fuel cell service facility, in the greater Los Angeles area. Upon completion of the work, the dealer will return the vehicle to the customer.

About the FCX Clarity

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, hydrogen powered fuel cell-powered vehicle. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, the vehicle's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile. Based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by a highly compact, efficient and powerful new Honda V Flow fuel cell stack, the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the fuel cell car. Significant advances over Honda's previous generation FCX include:

an advanced new four passenger sedan design
a greater than 30 percent increase in driving range up to 280 miles*
a 25 percent increase in combined fuel economy to 72 miles/kg-H2*
(74 mpg GGE <miles per gallon gasoline gallon equivalent energy>)
a 50 percent improvement in fuel stack power output density by volume
a 40 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter new lithium ion battery pack

Honda is responsible for the development of the world's first fuel cell car (Honda FCX) to be certified for regular commercial use by the U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board; the first deployment of a fuel cell car with a fleet customer; and the first individual retail customer for a fuel cell vehicle.

*Based on official 2008 EPA estimated range and fuel efficiency values

Related Press Release:
Production Begins for the New FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle
A number of new production processes showcased for the first time

FCX Clarity: Honda Announces FCX Clarity Business Plan and Commencement of Customer Selection Process

Tue, 20 May 2008 20:00:00 -0700

Honda plans to deliver about 200 FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles to customers in the first three years of production, with leases beginning in July, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The lease program marks the world's first large-scale retail initiative for fuel cell vehicle technology, and Honda has begun the process of identifying customers from a group of over 50,000 individuals who have expressed interest in the FCX Clarity on the company's website.

Honda will announce its first customers when the first FCX Clarity rolls off the production line at a ceremony on June 16, 2008 in Japan, where Honda will also showcase the world's first dedicated fuel cell vehicle production facility. Additionally, Honda will announce further plans for involvement by Honda dealerships in the U.S., as well as future customer care and customer qualification initiatives.

"Our customers for the current generation FCX have played an important role in our advancement of Honda fuel cell vehicle technology," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "The first FCX Clarity customers represent the early adopters who will play a critical role in the mainstreaming of fuel cell cars.

"We remain firmly convinced that the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car represents one of the best long-term solutions to the world's growing environmental and energy concerns," added Mendel. "With the launch of the FCX Clarity lease program, we will begin making fuel cell vehicles a market reality allowing customers to participate in creating a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future."

The FCX Clarity launch began in October 2005 with the unveiling of the next-generation FCX Concept vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show, which was followed in November 2007 by the debut of the FCX Clarity production model at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where the company announced plans to begin leasing vehicles to customers in the U.S. Initially, the program will be based on a 3-year lease term with a price of $600 per month and will be targeted at consumers in Southern California.

Customer selection process
Honda expects to lease several dozen FCX Clarity models per year in the U.S. and Japan to reach the total of about 200 units in the first three years. Since its Tokyo concept debut, Honda has received requests from more than 50,000 individuals who have indicated their interest in receiving further updates about the vehicle and about being considered as future customers of Honda fuel cell technology. The company is now working to narrow the list through a four-step customer qualification process:

Step 1 -- Based on respondents' residential location, the list of potential customers has been narrowed to approximately 500 people living in very close proximity to publicly-accessible hydrogen fueling stations, including planned or existing stations in Santa Monica, Torrance and Irvine.
Step 2 -- Customers meeting the geographical criteria will receive an e-mail prompting them to take a customer selection survey if they are serious about wanting to lease an FCX Clarity.
Step 3 - The survey will qualify customers based on driving patterns, vehicle needs, vehicle storage and financial criteria.
Step 4 - Customers qualify for the next steps, including an interview with American Honda.

Everyone who has expressed an interest in the FCX Clarity will be kept abreast of new developments via the FCX Clarity web site and by e-mail communications. All interested prospects' information will be retained for future consideration.

About the FCX Clarity
The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, its only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile.

Based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by a highly compact, efficient and powerful new Honda V Flow fuel cell stack, the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the fuel cell car. Significant advances over Honda's previous generation FCX include:

an advanced new four-passenger sedan design
a greater than 30 percent increase in driving range to 270 miles¹
a 20 percent increase in fuel economy to 68miles/kg-H2²
a 50 percent increase in fuel cell stack power density
a 40 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter new lithium-ion battery pack

Honda is responsible for the development of the world's first fuel cell car to be certified for regular commercial use by the U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board; the first commercial lease of a fuel cell car to a fleet customer; and the first individual retail customer for a fuel cell vehicle.

Honda and the Environment
Based on its philosophy of being a company "society want to exist", Honda has been a leader in the development of cleaner and more fuel efficient products for more than thirty years, beginning in 1975 with the introduction of the Civic CVCC, the first vehicle to meet U.S. Clean Air Act exhaust emissions standards without a catalyst. Honda introduced the world's first Low (LEV), Ultra-Low (ULEV) and Super Ultra-Low (SULEV) emissions gasoline vehicles, and America's first low emission gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, the Honda Insight, in December 1999.

The company has been recognized four consecutive times as America's "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists, most recently in 2007, and has maintained the highest automobile fleet-average fuel efficiency (lowest fleet-average CO2 emissions) of any U.S. automaker over the past 15 years³. The company is accelerating its efforts to introduce more fuel-efficient vehicles, including an all-new, more affordable hybrid Honda slated for introduction in 2009.

¹ Preliminary Honda estimate, based on existing EPA range methodology
² Honda estimate of EPA city-highway combined fuel economy rating for FCX Clarity
³ Average sales-weighted fuel consumption for 1992-2007 mid-model year passenger-car and light-truck fleets sold in the U.S. based on final CAFE reports through 2006 and 2007 mid-year reports

FCX Clarity: FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle Serves as the Official Car of the 2008 Indy Japan Event

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0700

The FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle is serving as the official car of the 2008 Indy Japan event being held at Twin Ring Motegi in Tochigi, Japan, April 17-19. Clickhere for the high-resolution photos. Clickhere for the press release.

FCX Clarity: Honda CR-Z Hybrid and FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle Introduce Detroit to Next-Generation Green Cars

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:00:00 -0800

The Honda CR-Z, a lightweight sports hybrid concept vehicle, and the FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle set to begin limited retail marketing in summer 2008, are bringing some of the most advanced environmental technologies from Honda to the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

CR-Z

Making its North American debut, the CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system that achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque. The CR-Z stands for "Compact Renaissance Zero" - an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals. The design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver elevated driving performance while reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint.

Designed to be futuristic and dynamic, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps create a powerful presence.

Design details emphasizing the CR-Z's advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights that convey a sharp impression, and jaunty fin-shaped sub-lights. Large 19-inch wheels suggest dynamic driving performance.

The key words for the CR-Z's interior design are "Hi-tech and Sporty." The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of driving. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering quick recognition and a futuristic and exhilarating appearance. The CR-Z concept vehicle made its world debut at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in November and indicates the styling direction for a second, new hybrid vehicle to be introduced by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The other future hybrid vehicle, designed to meet the needs of a family and priced below the Civic Hybrid, is planned for introduction in 2009.

FCX Clarity

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.

American Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008. Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month.

American Honda is also developing a service infrastructure that provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer. American Honda will transport the vehicle to its fuel cell service facility, located in the greater Los Angeles area, where all required work will be performed. At the completion of the work, the customer will pick up their car from the dealer.

The FCX Clarity utilizes Honda's V Flow stack in combination with a new compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack and a single hydrogen storage tank to power the vehicle's electric drive motor. The fuel cell stack operates as the vehicle's main power source. Hydrogen combines with atmospheric oxygen in the fuel cell stack, where chemical energy from the reaction is converted into electric power used to propel the vehicle. Additional energy captured through regenerative braking and deceleration is stored in the lithium ion battery pack, and used to supplement power from the fuel cell, when needed. The vehicle's only emission is water. The FCX Clarity's revolutionary new V Flow platform packages the ultra-compact, lightweight and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack (65 percent smaller than the previous Honda FC stack) in the vehicle's center tunnel, between the two front seats. Taking advantage of a completely new cell configuration, the vertically-oriented stack achieves an output of 100 kilowatts¹ (kW) (versus 86kW in the current Honda FC stack) with a 50 percent increase in output density by volume (67 percent by mass). Its compact size allows for a more spacious interior and more efficient packaging of other powertrain components, which would otherwise be unattainable in a sleek, low-slung sedan. Honda introduced the FCX Clarity at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Honda is a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, including advanced gasoline engines, gasoline-electric hybrids, natural gas-powered engines, and hydrogen fuel cells.

Founded in Japan in 1948, Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production² of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982. The company has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations with 14 major manufacturing facilities, employment of more than 35,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $17.6 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America.

1 Specifications may change prior to the certification and sales of production units.
2 Using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Additional consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity Press Kit PDF Download

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:02:00 -0800

Use this link to download all documents below in a single Adobe Acrobat PDF file......

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Development Background

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:13:00 -0800

Over one hundred years have passed since the birth of the automobile. As we look for better ways to create and harness energy for transportation, Honda remains focused on creating sustainable mobility. We are looking toward the next hundred years and exploring the challenge of new fuels and powerplants. We're working to keep the dream of personal mobility alive for generations yet to come.

It's the realization of a dream. And the beginning of another.

We want to create cars that make people's lives more fun, and develop technologies that bring new value to our customers and society. That's what Honda and its engineers are after - to share the value that the automobile has to offer with people around the world. Therefore we have put our own ideas to work creating exciting new technology: taking the lead and taking the initiative, we are aiming to create the future of the automobile.

At the same time, we recognize that the planet faces urgent problems, such as global warming, atmospheric pollution and resource depletion; and that the automobile is having a significant impact on our environment. We want to help preserve a healthy environment to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy mobility. We recognize our responsibility to face these problems squarely and are taking up the challenge of developing more environmentally responsible technologies.

Fuel cell vehicles, which run on hydrogen and emit no CO2 or other harmful emissions, may be the key to securing a bright future for the automobile in society. Honda became the world's first carmaker to put a fuel cell car on the road with regular customers, delivering the Honda FCX to fleet users in the United States and Japan in 2002. We have continued to improve performance, range and efficiency, overcoming the daunting challenge of cold weather operation, and delivering vehicles to additional fleet users and to private individuals. We have been working constantly, with a clear focus on the customer and real-world deployments, toward the full-scale commercialization of fuel cell vehicles worldwide.

Now we're ready to make another great leap forward, introducing a fuel cell vehicle that delivers superior environmental performance and is fun to drive. The FCX Clarity embodies Honda's innovative spirit, environmental vision, and uncompromising approach to product quality and performance. This all-new Honda fuel cell vehicle addresses environmental issues in a comprehensive fashion, with elegance, integrity and a level of driving performance that customers expect from Honda. The automobile of the future is here today.

The automobile holds the potential for limitless dreams and excitement in the future. The FCX Clarity represents the beginning of that future. We hope you will continue to look to Honda with anticipation. For us, the challenge has only just begun.

FCX Clarity Project Leader
Sachito Fujimoto

Senior Chief Engineer
Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

Bio:
Sachito Fujimoto joined Honda in 1981. He worked on the development of engines for the Accord, Civic and other models before joining the fuel cell vehicle team in 1999. He served as the Project Leader for the powerplant and as Assistant Large Project Leader for both the 2000 and 2003 FCX models. In 2003, he was appointed Large Project Leader for the 2005 FCX. Fujimoto is currently Large Project Leader for the FCX Clarity.

FCX Clarity: Addressing Environmental Issues With Fuel Cell Vehicles

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:11:00 -0800

As part of its initiative to reduce the environmental impact of automobiles, Honda is making cleaner and more environmentally responsible vehicles.

Honda has always been proactive and innovative in its approach to the reduction of atmospheric pollution. With the introduction of the CVCC engine in 1972, Honda became the world's first automaker to comply with the stringent exhaust emissions regulations of the 1970 US Clean Air Act without the use of a catalytic converter. And, Honda has continued to work to improve the emissions performance of all its vehicles. Addressing the problem of global warming, Honda has worked to reduce CO2 emissions by improving the fuel efficiency of its gasoline engines, introducing a world-class natural gas-powered vehicle, and developing hybrid vehicles and next-generation clean diesel-powered automobiles.

The ultimate expression of the electric vehicle concept: how Honda's fuel cell vehicle works

A fuel cell vehicle has a hydrogen tank instead of gasoline tank. In the fuel cell, hydrogen is combined with atmospheric oxygen to generate electricity. The fuel cell is more like a tiny electric power station than a battery. Since the electricity required to power the vehicle's motor is generated onboard using hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen, no CO2 or other pollutants are emitted in this process. It's the ultimate in clean performance - its only emission is the water produced as a byproduct of electricity generation. A compact and efficient lithium ion battery stores electricity generated during braking and deceleration in regenerative braking. The battery works in concert with the fuel cell stack to power the vehicle.

FCX Clarity: Hydrogen - The Next-Generation Fuel

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:10:00 -0800

Hydrogen can be extracted anywhere.

The fuel cell vehicle produces electricity to drive its electric motor. The fuel it uses to produce that energy is hydrogen. Hydrogen is not found on its own in nature, but exists as a component within many different materials from which it can be extracted. Currently hydrogen is generated mainly from natural gas, but it can also be extracted from water via electrolysis using electricity produced from such renewable energy sources as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. Hydrogen is a fuel carrier that can be derived from renewable and low-carbon energy sources without overseas shipment or the risk of spillage.

It's difficult to store large amounts of electricity. An effective approach is to generate electricity using hydrogen onboard and on-demand.

A conventional battery-powered vehicle requires a continuous supply of electricity generated by a powerplant in order to meet anticipated needs - for example, by converting heat from the combustion of fossil fuels or from vehicle braking. One advantage of hydrogen is that it can be compressed or liquefied for delivery via pipeline, or for storage in tanks. Tank storage, in turn, allows a fuel cell to produce electricity whenever it is needed. Hydrogen can also be produced using solar, wind or hydroelectric energy, depending on the viability of these forms of energy production in a given region, ensuring a stable supply of hydrogen from renewable energy sources.

Aiming for a sustainable energy society free from dependence on fossil fuels.

In an ideal hydrogen cycle, hydrogen produced from water via electrolysis using solar, wind, hydroelectric and other renewable energy sources, would be used in fuel cells to generate electricity for use in cars and to meet other energy needs. The water produced as a byproduct of this process would then return to the rivers and oceans before once again being converted into hydrogen via electrolysis. By realizing such a renewable, water-to-water energy cycle, it may be possible one day to create truly sustainable energy supplies, freeing society from dependence on non-renewable and carbon-based energy sources.

Is it better to convert electricity to hydrogen first, or use it directly? What is the difference between an electric vehicle and a fuel cell vehicle?

If electricity is generated from a renewable energy source to produce hydrogen, but then that hydrogen is used to generate electricity in a fuel cell, why not just use the electricity directly to power the vehicle? Through the extraction, delivery and storage of hydrogen we can take advantage of the benefits the fuel cell vehicle offers beyond efficient electricity use. A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can be refueled quickly, and it can have a range equivalent to that of a gasoline-powered car. Moreover, the fuel cell system and other powerplant components can be made powerful, lightweight and compact, permitting a freedom of layout that creates packaging and design options never before possible in an automobile.

The fuel cell vehicle: superior energy efficiency along with quiet, powerful performance.

Fuel cell vehicles, which operate on electricity converted from hydrogen, deliver the ultimate in environmental responsibility - and more. They also excel at propelling the vehicle with minimal loss of energy, generally exhibiting more than twice the energy efficiency of a conventional gasoline-powered car and superior mileage. The new FCX Clarity takes that performance to the next level, achieving more than three times the energy efficiency of compact, gasoline-powered Honda cars, which are already recognized for their excellent combustion efficiency, and doublethe energy efficiency of a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle. And this high efficiency is maintained even at low output, resulting in reduced losses and outstanding fuel economy. What's more, the electric motor's distinctively smooth, powerful acceleration and quiet performance, free of the vibration associated with engine-powered vehicles, delivers an entirely new kind of driving experience.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Introduction

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:09:00 -0800

Putting fun and style into the future of the automobile

The fuel cell vehicle is the ultimate in clean performance. But Honda believes cars should always be fun, too - the stuff of dreams. So when Honda set out to develop a fuel cell vehicle, the goal was to make it a car that delivers driving and aesthetic pleasure as well as outstanding environmental performance.

Honda has led the way in developing and improving fuel cell vehicle performance. Now the company is moving on to the next phase, exploring the enormous potential for layout versatility that is made possible by the fuel cell powerplant. This flexibility gives the fuel cell vehicle a new appeal that can set it apart from the internal combustion engine vehicle. That's why Honda engineers have cleared away all preconceived notions of automobile design, challenging themselves to discover the new possibilities that can only be realized with the fuel cell vehicle.

The development team chose the word 'free' to represent the design approach: free from preconceptions, free from common assumptions.

Free earth from environmental burden and from limits on where vehicles can be used
Free people to experience exhilarating acceleration and a feeling of comfort and spaciousness that transcends vehicle categories
Free the automobile to evolve in form and design

The team's goal was to create the next generation in automotive pleasure, with design and driving performance unattainable in today's vehicles.

First, Honda engineers set out to achieve the next advance in fuel cell stack design. The result was the V Flow FC Stack, which delivers outstanding improvements in lightweight, compact, high-output performance. The team also made the fuel cell system, drive motor, hydrogen storage, and other powertrain components more compact. We took advantage of the fuel cell vehicle's unique layout possibilities to create a revolutionary new platform with a low center of gravity for sporty stable driving performance. And the electric motor drive provides a distinctive sense of power and a feeling that accleration will go on forever for an all-new dimension in driving feel.

Honda has created the first of a new era of personal mobility: the FCX Clarity. The future of the automobile is about to change - and become a whole lot more fun. Honda has embarked on the next stage in the development of the fuel cell vehicle.

How the FCX Clarity got its name:

Honda chose this name to express the idea that the company is creating a fuel cell vehicle that will offer a clear solution to the challenges of the future, helping society achieve sustainable mobility.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Technology Digest

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:08:00 -0800

The Technology That Will Set The Car Free For The Next Century

Core Technology

V Flow FC Stack: a revolutionary new design that takes
the fuel cell vehicle to the next level

Lightweight, compact and powerful

V Flow FC Stack design for thinner cells and more stable electrical generation
Wave flow channels for a lighter, more compact stack with significantly greater electrical generation capacity
- 30?° C startup a reality

Other equipment that enhances driving performance

Shift By Wire
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Traction Control System (TCS)

Safety Performance

Omnidirectional collision safety body design
Pedestrian-injury-reduction body design
Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) + Automatic Tensioning System (driver and front passenger seat belts)
Side curtain airbags
Side airbags (driver and front passenger)
Frontal airbags (driver and front passenger)
Hydrogen and high-voltage safety measures
Hydrogen refueling safety measures

Style

Eye-catching exterior design

A futuristic design based on imaginative thinking that sweeps aside all preconceived notions

A dynamic, full-sized cabin, advanced packaging, and powerful performance
A deep, lustrous coating that changes its look with the changing light
An extra rear window with a polycarbonate layer for privacy

An elegant, futuristic interior

Luxurious interior appointments and premium features consistent with the expectations of sophisticated customers
Seating for four adults in luxurious comfort
Gauges and shifter grouped for an ergonomically-advanced cockpit
Honda Bio-Fabric: premium fabric made from plants
Climate-controlled seats (driver and front passenger)

Packaging

Innovative ergonomic packaging

A revolutionary platform that takes full advantage of the layout versatility of the Honda fuel cell vehicle

Transformed from two boxes to one, the stack fits efficiently into the center tunnel
The coaxial motor and gearbox configuration contributes to the sleek short-nose design
The new lithium-ion battery fits neatly under the rear seat, making more room for people
Functionality enhanced by the single hydrogen tank, creating more rear seat and trunk space
Front made more compact and elegant by unifying the radiators in a three-layer configuration.

Performance

An all-new dimension in driving feel

Quiet power and a feeling that the acceleration will go on forever

Improvements of approximately 60% in operational efficiency, 20% in fuel efficiency, and 30% in vehicle range
A new quiet, high-output, high-torque, high-rpm motor
A new coaxial configuration of the gearbox with the motor makes the unit more compact and provides more direct power transmission
A powerful new lithium-ion battery provides power assist and even more efficient storage of energy regenerated in braking

More than a "green car" - it's fun to drive

A double-wishbone suspension for smooth handling and a comfortable, even ride.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) integrated with Vehicle Stability Assist for enhanced handling

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Design

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:07:00 -0800

An eye-catching and futuristic design

Honda has set aside the framework of automotive design. A new and very exciting kind of vehicle has been conceived, offering a level of styling and distinctiveness that customers of premium vehicles expect.

It had to have four wheels. Beyond that, we were free.

There's no engine - this is a completely different powerplant. Free from common design constraints, the Honda team took an entirely new approach. The goal was to create a totally innovative, exciting design that suggests the future at a glance - a dynamic, full-cabin sedan featuring innovative packaging that takes advantage of the fuel cell vehicle's layout versatility and powerful driving performance.

Since the motor is so compact, Honda engineers were able to create a revolutionary new platform with a low center of gravity and a long wheelbase. The result was a new type of sedan with unique porportions and a futuristic look.

An emotional appeal that goes beyond environmental responsibility

Ultimately, the appeal of a car emerges from its appearance - a sense of motion even when it's standing still. Features like the accentuated fender flares complement the dynamically tapered lines of the front and back of the cabin and the flowing side lines of the one-motion form. The innovative and attractive packaging of the FCX Clarity take it well beyond the realm of environmental responsibility.

Environmental responsibility is looking good

Distinctive. Dynamic. A glimpse of the future.

The elegant form of the FCX Clarity sets it apart from everything else on the road and complements the rational, environmental reasons for driving a fuel cell vehicle. The sharp, dark chrome trim that runs from bumper to headlight draws the eyes toward the front fenders, creating a powerful, dynamic look and a cool, clean, futuristic feel. The side mirrors complement the FCX Clarity's free-flowing cabin. Mounted on slender arms that blend with the door molding, they emphasize the elegant lines of the side windows, with the molding embracing the mirror housing. The exterior door handles have a spare, clean look that emphasizes the slender lines of the body. Robust rear fenders reinforce the compact cabin for a bold, sculpted look. The rear glass and contoured design of the rear combination lamps emphasize the vehicle's wide, confident stance.

An extra rear window for more visibility control: looks great, enhances visibility, allows for a larger trunk

The most distinctive feature of the new one-motion design is found at the rear of the FCX Clarity. To take advantage of the high-deck design and enhance rear visibility, the car is fitted with an extra window with visibility control - a feature carefully designed to protect privacy. The rear tray is set high to ensure ample trunk volume, and windows are positioned in the upper trunk lid and in the barrier behind the rear seat to allow the driver to see into the trunk.

Visibility control lets occupants see out without passersby seeing in

A special polycarbonate layer is applied to both sides of the window to make transparency dependent on the angle of vision, protecting occupants' privacy. The result is excellent rearward visibility for the driver with a high level of privacy for the rear-seat passengers.

Free-flowing, aerodynamic design capitalizes on the new platform's unique qualities

It's no coincidence that the exterior design's key features - the front and rear fenders, the front pillars, the tapered rear cabin - also contribute to outstanding aerodynamic performance. Superb aerodynamics are built right into the free-flowing, one-motion form. And because there is no engine - and therefore no low-hanging exhaust system - the car's underbody is flatter, reducing drag.

Lightweight aerodynamics wheels

Ultra-lightweight forged aluminum 5-spoke wheels have fin-shaped plastic fairings to suppress air turbulence around the wheel, reducing weight and improving aerodynamics while adding a sporty touch.

A comfortable, spacious, futuristic environment

A new dimension in comfort for all

Honda designers aimed to take maximum advantage of the space, creating a comfort zone with a futuristic feel. The central tunnel formed by the FC Stack neatly divides the left and right front spaces. The door linings help create an inclusive feel that sets apart the personal space of four independent seats within the spacious cabin. The floating instrument panel gives the cockpit a next-generation feel and provides the driver with new levels of functionality and visibility. The warm earth-tone colors are intended to create a soothing, natural feel.

Personal spaces that submerge occupants in comfort

Four distinct spaces have been created within the luxurious interior. The doors feature bold concave lines that accentuate the sense of roominess and create relaxing, personal spaces.

A floating, layered instrument panel for an advanced feel

Front pillars have been extended forward, while maintaining generous headroom proportions, to create a sense of space. The instrument panel is set off as a unified mass unconnected to the door line, making it appear to levitate. Bright coloring in the padding accentuates the airy, spacious feel.

An advanced cockpit for a futuristic experience

Naturally, because it's a Honda, the FCX Clarity is fun and easy to drive. The new fuel cell multi-functional display in the cockpit, for example, features three-dimensional displays of hydrogen consumption, battery levels, motor output and other key information. The speedometer is positioned directly above the display to minimize eye movement. A compact electronic shifter that leverages the latest in drive-by-wire technology has been molded into the meter visors. Other design touches enhance the futuristic feel, like the start switch beside the center console that activates the fuel cell stack.

Fuel cell performance meters

The luminescent three-dimensional meters recessed into the instrument panel display all key driving information. A centrally located ball-shaped H2 meter keeps track of hydrogen consumption. The vehicle's meters work together to provide an effective interface, providing the data output the driver needs.

The H2 ball-shaped hydrogen consumption gauge changes color and size to reflect hydrogen consumption as driving conditions change. During high consumption, the ball becomes large and amber-colored. As consumption decreases, it shrinks and turns yellow, then blue. The Hydrogen fuel and battery gauges are to the right of the H2 ball-shaped meter. The fuel cell stack output gauge and battery output/charge display are on the outer perimeter.

Luxury from the future

Silver accents, blue acrylic in the interior door handle, and audio panel impart a futuristic look. High-quality materials like wood-grain appearance paneling in the doors and luminous black lacquer headrests combine with warm colors for a luxurious, space-age feel.

Interior Design

Comfortable, easy to use, and environmentally responsible

Honda Bio-Fabric, a new interior fabric made from plant material - another world's first for Honda

To help move away from petroleum-based resins and other synthetic fibers toward plant-based fabrics, Honda created a new premium bio-fabric for vehicle interiors. Honda Bio-Fabric is a polyester material called poly(trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) made by fermenting corn Its texture and durability make it perfect for use in seat coverings, door linings, console trays and arm rests - any part of the vehicle where the occupants will appreciate its premium feel. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers made from corn and other plant biomass are used in roof linings, floor carpeting and trunk linings. In fact, all interior fabric coverings in the FCX Clarity are made of natural, plant-based materials.

Areas where Honda Bio-Fabric (PTT) is used

Seat coverings
Front/rear armrests
Front/rear door linings (middle section)
Door armrests
Console tray

Areas where bio-fabric (PLA) is used

Roof lining
Pillar coverings
Floor carpets
Piece mats
Trunk lining

Honda Bio-Fabric: outstanding elasticity and feel

The molecular structure of PTT fiber is finely kinked in an accordion structure, allowing it to stretch more readily than other fibers and return easily to its original shape, avoiding sagging. It also has a unique, silky feel not found in other coverings. That's why Honda Bio-Fabric is used on all surfaces that come into direct contact with the occupants.

The production process

The 1,3-propanediol, which forms the raw material for PTT fibers, is normally produced by chemosynthesis. In contrast, Honda Bio-Fabric is made from corn using a bio-tech fermentation method. It is combined with terephtalic acid, a petroleum extract, to create PTT resin, which in turn is spun, made into fibers, dyed, and turned into Honda Bio-Fabric.

Reducing CO2 emissions

Based on the product life-cycle from procurement of raw materials to production, Honda Bio-Fabric provides a CO2 reduction of 30% per FCX Clarity automobile, compared to conventional polyester made from petroleum products. Plant-based resins are carbon neutral even when incinerated - the CO2 released during disposal is balanced by the CO2 absorbed during growth.

Front-row independent temperature controls

To meet the expectations of premium automobile customers, the FCX Clarity is equipped with dual zone climate control to ensure optimal occupant comfort and more efficient use of energy.

Climate controlled seats

Temperature control devices built right into the seat cushions and seatbacks use fans to draw in air, which a thermo-electric device then cools (by absorbing heat) or warms. The air is then blown through the seats to maintain the desired temperature while maintaining the breathability of the urethane, permeable foam and upholstery layers. Since it provides heating and cooling in direct contact with the occupants, this process is faster and more efficient than air conditioning alone. Individual controls are conveniently located on either side of the center panel, providing an advanced touch of comfort for the luxury customer.

Ample storage space

The FCX Clarity is designed to meet every storage need. There are drink holders for each occupant and many other easy-to-use storage areas. A trunk space, separate under-trunk storage well, and other innovations add up to storage volume comparable to other mid-size sedans.

Trunk volume: 11.1 (13.1*) cubic ft
*Including under-trunk storage well
Honda calculations according to SAE formula

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Core Technology

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:06:00 -0800

V Flow FC Stack

Smaller. Higher Output. The fuel cell vehicle has evolved.

The new V Flow FC Stack is smaller and more powerful - a giant leap forward

Honda fuel cell vehicles continue to lead the industry. Recognizing that the fuel cell stack is the key to the fuel cell vehicle's evolution, Honda has continued to improve performance and packaging. In 2003, Honda unveiled the Honda FC Stack, capable of sub-zero startup and with outstanding production feasibility. Its design, featuring stamped metal separators and an aromatic electrolytic membrane revolutionized the fuel cell. Next, Honda took up the challenge of structural innovation - creating the V Flow FC Stack with an original cell structure that delivers decreased weight, improved performance and even more compact design. The V Flow FC Platform is the next generation in package design. It makes compelling styling and packaging feasible in a fuel cell vehicle for the first time. It's the breakthrough in stack technology that gives the FCX Clarity its elegant design.

The new V Flow FC Stack: high output in a lightweight, compact design

The V Flow FC Stack features an entirely new cell structure that achieves a higher output of 100 kW, smaller size and lower weight, with a 50% improvement in output density by volume, and a 67% increase in output density by mass, compared to the 2005 FCX.

Layers of cells producing lots of energy

The Honda V Flow FC Stack uses a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrical generation system that directly converts chemical energy produced in hydrogen-oxygen reactions into electrical energy. The extremely thin proton exchange membrane (electrolytic membrane) is sandwiched between pairs of electrode layers and diffusion layers (the hydrogen and oxygen electrodes) to form a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The MEA is enclosed between two separators to form a cell - a single electrical generation unit. Several hundred cells are stacked together to form a fuel cell stack. As with batteries, these individual cells are connected in series to produce a high voltage.

How electricity is generated

Hydrogen gas is passed over the hydrogen electrode. Each hydrogen atom is converted into a hydrogen ion in a catalytic reaction with the platinum in the electrode, releasing an electron.
Having given up its electron, the hydrogen ion passes through the electrolytic membrane, where it joins with oxygen from the oxygen electrode and an electron arriving via an external circuit.
The released electrons create a flow of direct current in the external circuit. The reaction at the oxygen electrode produces water as a byproduct.
Because the electrolytic membrane must be kept continually damp, it is necessary to humidify the supply of hydrogen and oxygen. The water byproduct is recycled for this purpose. Unneeded water and air are released as exhaust.

Electrical power on demand

The main components of the fuel cell vehicle's power plant are the fuel cell stack, which generates electricity from hydrogen, the hydrogen tank, the lithium ion battery, the electric drive motor, and the Power Drive Unit (PDU), which governs the flow of electricity. Because the vehicle is propelled by an electric motor, it delivers smooth, powerful acceleration and quiet operation, without the noise and vibration associated with an internal combustion engine. During startup and acceleration - when a large amount of power is required - the electricity from the fuel cell stack to the drive motor is supplemented with electricity from the lithium ion battery to provide powerful performance. During deceleration, the drive motor works as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity, which is stored in the lithium ion battery along with any excess electricity produced by the fuel cells. When the vehicle is stationary, an idle stop system shuts down electrical generation in the fuel cell stack. Electricity from the lithium-ion battery ensures continued operation of the air conditioner and other devices. The system optimally controls electrical power, resulting in highly efficient operation.

Another key advance: a vertical gas flow cell structure is combined with wave flow-channel separators for an even more compact, lightweight design.

Until now, hydrogen and air flowed horizontally through the cells of Honda fuel cell stacks. The new V Flow FC Stack introduces a cell structure in which hydrogen and air flow vertically, and gravity is used to facilitate more efficient drainage of the water byproduct from the electrical generating layer. The result is greater stability in power generation. The new structure also allows for a thinner flow channel and reduction in the stack's size and weight. And Honda's innovative and original wave flow-channel separators provide a more even and efficient supply of hydrogen, air and coolant to the electrical generating layer. The results are higher generating performance, optimal cooling characteristics and major reductions in size and weight. More compact, the new stack has far fewer parts and can be fitted into a single box. It's also much easier to manufacture and can be fitted into a single box.

V Flow cell structure for greater stability in electrical generation and a thinner design

In addition to allowing hydrogen and air to flow vertically, the V Flow design also means that water drainage is assisted by gravity. Water doesn't collect on the electrical generation layer, ensuring constant power generation. This also allows flow channel depth to be reduced by 17% - a major contributing factor in creating thinner cells and a more compact stack.

Wave flow-channel separators enable a smaller stack design

The fuel cell consists of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) - an electrolytic membrane sandwiched between the pairs of electrode layers and diffusion layers forming the hydrogen and oxygen electrodes - which are in turn enclosed between separators containing flow channels for hydrogen, air and coolant. The V Flow FC Stack incorporates wave-shaped vertical flow channels for the hydrogen and air, with horizontal coolant flow channels weaving between them. The wave flow channels provide greater flow length per channel than straight channels, while the resulting turbulent flow within the channel promotes improved hydrogen and air distribution. As a result, the hydrogen and air are spread over the entire electrode layer, making more efficient use of the compact electrical generation layer and achieving approximately 10% higher generating performance than with straight flow channels. The horizontal coolant flow also ensures more even cooling over the entire electrical generation layer, allowing for a reduction in the number of cooling layers to half that of previous stacks. The previous stack had one cooling layer for each cell. The new stack needs only one cooling layers per two cells. This results in a 20% reduction in stack length and a 30% weight reduction - a major breakthrough in compact, lightweight stack design.

Improved heat mass allows startup at -30°C

Improved water drainage due to the V Flow cell structure facilitates better output immediately after startup. The reduced coolant volume and single-box design made possible by the wave flow-channel separators results in heat mass 40% lower than previous stacks. As a result, the amount of time required to achieve 50% output after startup at -20°C (-4°F) is only one-quarter that of the previous stack. Startup is now possible at temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Packaging

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Layout

Human-friendly packaging: the future of comfort.

Distributing the powerplant redefines the basic configuration of the automobile.

The new V Flow FC platform allows for unprecedented spaciousness. It's the next generation in human-friendly design.

The most distinctive feature of the fuel cell vehicle - other than the fuel cell itself - is the layout flexibility made possible by the fact that the powerplant and drive train can be distributed throughout the vehicle. In order to take full advantage of this feature, each component in the powerplant must be made extremely compact. To this end, each part of the fuel cell stack - the drive motor and gearbox, the power drive unit, the lithium ion battery, and even the hydrogen tank and radiators - have been made as compact and as high-performance as possible. This creates maximum freedom to optimize the position of each part to achieve the spacious, full-cabin design unique to this new fuel cell vehicle. The end product is the embodiment of Honda's man maximum, machine minimum design philosophy - and the next generation in human-friendly automobiles.

The V Flow FC Stack is located inside the center tunnel, and the lithium ion battery is placed under the rear seat. The result is a free-flowing, full-cabin design with a long wheelbase that provides the spacious and comfortable seating that customers expect in a luxury car.

The drive motor, gearbox and PDU are combined for major space savings in the drive train system. A more compact radiator unit contributes to the short-nose design.

Reducing the number of parts in the hydrogen tank and modifying its shape result in a more efficient use of space, creating ample room in the rear seating and trunk areas. Improvements both to the hydrogen tank and the FC stack layout result in a low floor and low overall height - the car's packaging is sporty and functional.

Powertrain

The technology - a powerplant that is sure to spark a revolution in design, packaging and performance

In addition to making the fuel cell stack, drive motor, and other individual components more compact, parts have been consolidated into modular units. The result is an amazingly compact and lightweight design - 397 pounds (180 kg) lighter and 45% smaller than the previous powerplant.

A significantly more compact, unified fuel cell system

The fuel cell stack is now contained in one box instead of two. This reduces the number of parts required to connect the stacks together and allows the hydrogen supply system, humidifier system, and contactors to be combined into a single unit that is 65% smaller than the previous system. This makes it possible to locate the stack in the vehicle's center tunnel rather than under the floor, achieving a low-floor, low-height body design.

Unified coaxial drive motor/gearbox and PDU

An innovative configuration, with drive motor and gearbox oriented coaxially, achieves a 162 mm reduction in length as measured along the drive axis. This coaxial motor/gearbox is further combined with the Power Drive Unit (PDU) in a unified configuration that saves another 240 mm in height. These innovations make possible the FCX Clarity's stylish, short-nose design.

Compact, high-efficiency lithium-ion battery requires less space

The vehicle's auxiliary power source, the new lithium-ion battery, delivers improved performance and energy recovery in a more lightweight, compact package. The new battery is 40% lighter and 50% smaller than the ultra-capacitor of the 2005 FCX, allowing it to be stowed under the rear seat. This gives the car more passenger space and a bigger trunk.

Integration of functions in hydrogen tank

Whereas the 2005 FCX carries two hydrogen tanks, the FCX Clarity has only one. This creates more space for the rear seats and trunk. The shut-off valve, regulator, pressure sensor, and other components in the refueling and supply system were integrated into a single in-tank module, reducing the number of parts by 74%. Tank capacity is greater, installation space efficiency is 24% better, and vehicle range is increased.

Three radiators integrated into one

Increased powerplant efficiency, vehicle weight reduction, and improved aerodynamics have resulted in a major reduction in heat generation. The cooling air vent for the motor bay has been reconfigured and the cooling capacity of the radiators increased. These improvements made it possible to integrate the fuel cell radiator, the drive train radiator, and the air conditioning condensor into a single three-layer unit. The new radiator unit requires 40% less space, contributing to the stylish short-nose design.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Performance

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A new, more advanced driving experience

A feeling that the acceleration will go on forever. Smooth, quiet and luxurious driving feel not found in any internal combustion engine-powered vehicle.

A distinctive driving experience created by the high-output electric motor

Along with uncompromising performance, the electric motor-driven FCX Clarity delivers a completely different driving sensation from a conventional vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. There are no gear changes to interrupt power delivery and the torque characteristics are smooth, making acceleration seamless and robust. This is a key part of its distinctive, premium driving feel. There is none of the vibration that comes from reciprocating pistons. There is no combustion noise; just quiet, clean, vibration-free performance. Startup and acceleration times are comparable to that a 2.4-liter internal combustion vehicle of similar size.

The FCX Clarity's high-efficiency powerplant and outstanding energy management result in an exceedingly high operating energy efficiency of 60%. Furthermore, vehicle weight reduction and superb aerodynamics contribute to an approximate 20% improvement in fuel economy. Hydrogen tank capacity has also been increased, extending vehicle range by 30%.

Higher output, high torque, higher rpms and quieter operation in a more compact design

The new drive motor configuration was developed to deliver more powerful acceleration and a higher top speed, along with a quieter, more luxurious ride. The new rotor and stator feature a combined reluctance-torque, low-loss magnetic circuit and full-range, full-digital vector control to achieve high efficiency and high output over a wide speed range. The innovative shape and layout of the magnets in the rotor result in high-output, high-torque, high-rpm performance. These innovations deliver a maximum output of 100 kW along with impressive torque and power output density. At the same time, resonance points in the high-frequency range have been eliminated for quieter operation.

New rotor delivers high-output, high-torque, high-rpm performance

A newly designed rotor features an Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) to lower inductance, improving reluctance torque to deliver high-torque performance. The magnet's high-energy characteristics also contribute to high torque and a more compact design. These innovations result in 50% higher output density and 20% higher torque density. The number of poles has also been reduced and the magnet made wider to better withstand stress, allowing the yoke to wrap around the outside of the IPM. A center rib has been installed for greater rigidity. This more robust construction allows for operation at higher rpm.

New stator contributes to higher torque and higher efficiency

The stator features a low iron-loss electrical steel sheet and
higher density windings that decrease resistance and contribute to high torque and higher output.

Number of poles reduced to eliminate resonance points and produce quieter operation

The number of magnetic poles in the rotor has been reduced from 12 to 8, eliminating resonance points within the operating rpm range. The result is outstanding quietness and higher output.

Coaxial gearbox conveys motor output directly for a major improvement in compact design

The rotor shaft in the motor features a hollow construction, with the driveshaft passing through its center in a coaxial configuration. This arrangement, unique to electric vehicles, allows the motor and gearbox to be combined into a single, compact unit, while providing highly efficient transmission of the motor's high-output, high-rpm power to the driveshaft. Innovative bearing design and fewer rotor oil seals result in lower friction for higher transmission efficiency, creating driving performance with a more direct feel.

Easy-to-use Shift-By-Wire for simpler operation

The vehicle's fixed gear ratio allows for simple operation: there's an easy-to-use shift control for forward, reverse and park that has a light touch and a short stroke. The compact shift unit features electronic control, allowing the shift lever to be installed on the dashboard. The shifter, start switch and parking switch are all easy to operate. Other operating systems are also laid out in separate zones to improve ergonomics.

Power assist and efficient regeneration with an advanced lithium-ion battery

The compact, high-output lithium-ion battery assists the fuel cell in powering the vehicle. The advanced battery provides a powerful supplement to the fuel cell stack's output, powering the motor for torquey off-the-line acceleration. In addition to increasing the total energy capacity, the battery efficiently stores energy generated by the intelligent regenerative braking system, capturing 11% more kinetic energy than the ultra-capacitor used in the 2005 FCX. Some 57% of the energy of deceleration is regenerated with the new system.

Enhanced regeneration for reduced brake operation in downhill driving

As a result of increased energy storage capacity and a broader range of regeneration control, it has been possible to implement a system that regulates acceleration and reduces the need for pedal operation in downhill driving. Assessing incline and vehicle speed, the system regulates acceleration when the driver first releases the accelerator pedal, minimizing the need for frequent braking. The system simultaneously adjusts the amount of regenerative braking to help maintain constant vehicle speed after brake pedal inputs. The function is similar to engine braking in an gasoline-engine powered vehicle, but more intelligent, smoother, and easier to use.

Superior chassis dynamics for greater comfort, safety, and driving pleasure

With double-wishbone at the front and 5-link double-wishbone at the rear, the suspension delivers smooth handling and an even ride.

Optimal geometry front and back, including carefully calibrated toe response to the suspension stroke and camber angle maximize tire contact with the road during cornering for highly responsive, stable handling. Optimization of the anti-dive angle and control of vehicle behavior during deceleration contribute to an even, comfortable ride. The lowered front suspension adds to the visual impact of the short-nose design. In addition to the implementation of a 5-link double wishbone rear suspension, forged aluminum lower arms and high-capacity trailing arm bushings and reduced unsprung weight, smoothing out bumps in the road.

Responsive electric power steering for a 17.7-foot turning radius and tight cornering

Along with a newly implemented brushless motor for increased output, the front double wishbone suspension helps facilitate tight cornering and delivers a 17.7-foot turning radius - a very tight turning radius given the the vehicle's long wheelbase. The low inertia of the motor and minimal friction of the suspension in turning contribute to smoother steering. And a tilt & telescopic steering wheel provide an optimal steering position for drivers of all physiques.

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) integrated with electric power steering (EPS) for enhanced handling

The FCX Clarity features an integrated braking, traction control and electric-controlled steering system that works in concert to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in emergency maneuvers and in varying road conditions. Working in conjunction with the vehicle's anti-lock brakes, Traction Control System (TCS) with slideslip control, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), the Electric Power Steering (EPS) enhances steering force for even better handling.

In controlling understeer, EPS provides supplementary steering force to prevent the steering wheel from being turned too far as motor torque is reduced and as braking force is applied to the inner rear wheel by the VSA.
In controlling oversteer, the EPS provides steering force to help the driver counter the spin-generating moment as braking is applied to the outer front wheel to stabilize the vehicle.
When road conditions under the left and right tires are different, torque and steering force are supplemented to help the driver maintain stability.

Complementing the linear torque control of the drive motor, the TCS provides enhanced grip and control in acceleration

Increased motor torque responsiveness during TCS operation has made a major contribution to suppressing excessive tire slip. Improvements to the total system deliver even more precise torque transmission and improved grip for confident acceleration even on slippery surfaces, and improved control in acceleration.

Adaptive Cruise Control is standard equipment.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Safety

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Protecting occupants and pedestrians; and the proper handling of hydrogen

Striving to protect vehicle occupants

To enhance occupant crash protection, Honda has implemented innovative body technology with a network of frame structures in the front of the vehicle along with additional safety precautions appropriate to a fuel cell vehicle. The vehicle complies with government collision safety standards, including for full frontal collisions up to 35 mph, MBD side-impact collisions up to 33.5 mph, pole-side impact collisions up to 18 mph, and rear-offset collisions up to 50 mph. The fuel cell system and hydrogen tank are protected from collisions at every angle.

A body designed for the V Flow platform with the rigidity to withstand collisions from all angles

Taking full advantage of the distributed powerplant layout, we've optimized the body structure. To help protect occupants in the event of frontal collisions, the straight front side frame, upper frame, and lower structural parts are designed to disperse and absorb impact energy. Energy is dispersed through the front pillars and floor. The lower structural members are designed to help prevent misalignment with the impact-absorbing parts of the other vehicle. Along with an energy-absorbing upper frame, they efficiently disperse energy over a wider area. This design is intended to both reduce the impact forces on FCX Clarity occupants as well as on the other vehicle. The enhanced rigidity of the body also helps provides a premium level of comfort for all occupants.

The impact-absorbing front-end design helps enhance pedestrian protection

To help protect pedestrians, we've designed the FCX Clarity's fenders, hood hinges, wiper pivots, and other components to more efficiently absorb collision impact.

Braking and seat belt control help protect occupants against injuries from rear-end collisions, while the Collision Mitigation Brake System and seatbelt Automatic Tensioning System provide enhanced safety for the driver and front passenger.

Advanced safety technology protects occupants

Side-curtain airbag system
Driver and front passenger SRS airbags
Active front seat head restraints
Driver and front passenger seat belt reminders
Side airbag system
Impact-absorbing interior
Three-point, load-limiting, automatic tensioning system-equipped ELR seat belts for driver and front passenger

Safety measures for handling hydrogen and high-voltage electricity

Sensors are located throughout the vehicle to provide a warning in the unlikely event of a hydrogen leak. Should such a leak occur, a ventilation system is activated and an automatic system closes the main cut-off valves on the hydrogen tanks 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.

Hydrogen refueling safety measures

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.

FCX Clarity: Hydrogen Infrastructure

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Honda is moving ahead with research into hydrogen production and supply systems to help support the more widespread adoption of fuel cell vehicles.

Solar-powered Hydrogen Stations

Honda is conducting feasibility tests on its Solar-powered Hydrogen Station

Since 2001, Honda has operated an experimental solar-powered water electrolyzing hydrogen station at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California. The station employs Honda's water electrolyzing module, and utilizes next-generation thin film solar cells developed by Honda Engineering. Based on a highly efficient water-electrolyzing module, we have achieved a high-pressure hydrogen production efficiency of 52-66%. Using the Honda-developed thin film made from a compound of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) for the solar cells, Honda's next-generation refueling system has been made more environmentally responsible by reducing CO₂ emissions during the production of the solar cells.

Home Energy Station

The experimental Home Energy Station - hydrogen refueling and cogeneration

The Home Energy Station, which generates hydrogen from natural gas, is designed to provide heat and electricity for the home through fuel cell cogeneration, and to supply fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. Honda began experimental operation of the Home Energy Station in 2003. On the basis of research conducted in cooperation with technology partner Plug Power, Inc., refinements were subsequently incorporated into Home Energy Stations II and III that made it more compact and convenient. In 2007 Honda developed Home Energy Station IV - which is even better suited to home installation began operating it experimentally. Honda research into hydrogen production and supply systems for a future hydrogen-based society is ongoing.

Overview: Home Energy Station IV

Home Energy Station IV is designed to be more compact, more efficient, and less expensive than previous models - and therefore even more suitable for the average household. The size has been reduced by 70% compared to the first generation, CO₂ emissions for a household using the Home Energy Station would be 30% lower than those for an average household using a gasoline-engine car and commercial electricity and energy costs about 50% lower.

Home Energy Station IV configuration

Fuel cell vehicles require high-purity hydrogen. In addition to hydrogen, reformed gas created from natural gas contains some CO₂ and N₂. Previous Home Energy Station systems were equipped with a separate purifier and fuel cell. In Home Energy Station IV, these two components have been unified. The new system can switch from hydrogen refining to power generation, helping reduce size and improve efficiency.

FCX Clarity: Journey of the FCX

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:01:00 -0800

1999
September 6	Prototype fuel cell vehicles FCX-V1 (hydrogen-fueled) and FCX-V2 (equipped with methanol reformer) introduced
2000
September 28	Prototype fuel cell vehicle FCX-V3 introduced (high-pressure hydrogen tank and ultra-capacitor)
2001
February 13	Prototype fuel cell vehicle FCX-V3 equipped with a Honda FC Stack demonstrated at the California Fuel Cell Partnership
July 4	Public road testing of the FCX-V3 begins in Japan
July 11	Experiments with hydrogen production and fueling of fuel cell vehicles begin at Honda R&D Americas in California
September 4	Prototype fuel cell vehicle FCX-V4 with extended range introduced
2002
March 1	Honda FCX-V4 receives certification from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
March 3	Honda FCX-V4 serves as pace car at the Los Angeles Marathon
July 25	Honda FCX becomes first fuel cell vehicle certified by the U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) for commercial use
October 8	Agreement concluded with the City of Los Angeles to make it the first U.S. customer for a fuel cell car
October 22	Introduction of the FCX prototype scheduled for same year
November 22	FCX receives certification from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
December 2	FCX fuel cell vehicles delivered on the same day in the U.S. and Japan
2003
July 15	Honda becomes the world's first automaker to supply a fuel cell vehicle to a private corporation
September 25	FCX vehicle delivered to mayor of the City of San Francisco
October 2	Experiments begin in the U.S. with a hydrogen Home Energy Station, which provides fuel supply and cogeneration functions
October 10	Release of the Honda FC Stack, capable of power generation at temperatures as low as -20°C
2004
February 26	Public road testing in Hokkaido, Japan, of Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX, proving the vehicle's cold start and driving capabilities
April 5	Test drives of the Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX begin on Yakushima Island (Japan) as part of the Yakushima Zero Emission Project
April 18	Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX test drives begin in the U.S. on public roads
July 29	Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX receives U.S. government certification for commercial use
November 16	Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX leased to the State of New York, world's first delivery of fuel cell vehicles to a cold-weather region
December 17	Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX receives certification for use on public roads from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
2005
January 27	Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX delivered to Hokkaido Prefecture
June 17	Honda FCX becomes Japan's first fuel cell vehicle to receive Motor Vehicle Type certification from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
June 30	Honda delivers FCX fuel cell vehicle to world's first individual customer: Jon and Sandy Spallino of Redondo Beach, California. The Spallinos sign a two-year Honda FCX lease
2006
September	Honda demonstrates next-generation FCX Concept vehicle featuring a new compact, high-output V Flow FC Stack
2007
January 2-3	Honda FC Stack-equipped FCX serves as lead car at 83rd Tokyo-Hakone Ekiden Relay Race (4th consecutive year)
March 8	17-year-old American actress Q'orianka Kilcher leases Honda FCX fuel cell vehicle
November 14	The Honda FCX Clarity - featuring advanced driving performance, comfort and environmental performance in an elegant, futuristic design - makes its world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

FCX Clarity: Honda Debuts All-New FCX Clarity Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:01:00 -0800

Honda today unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in summer 2008.

The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.

"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," said 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."

American Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008.

Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance. American Honda is also developing a service infrastructure that provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer. American Honda will transport the vehicle to their fuel cell service facility, located in the greater Los Angeles area, where all required work will be performed. At the completion of the work, the customer will pick up their car from the dealer.

How It Works

Honda V Flow Fuel Cell Platform

The FCX Clarity's revolutionary new V Flow platform packages the ultra-compact, lightweight and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack (65 percent smaller than the previous Honda FC stack) in the vehicle's center tunnel, between the two front seats. Taking advantage of a completely new cell configuration, the vertically-oriented stack achieves an output of 100 kilowatts (kW) (versus 86kW in the current Honda FC stack) with a 50 percent increase in output density by volume (67 percent by mass). Its compact size allows for a more spacious interior and more efficient packaging of other powertrain components, which would otherwise be unattainable in a sleek, low-slung sedan.

The FCX Clarity boasts numerous other significant advances in the performance and packaging of Honda fuel cell technology, compared to the current-generation FCX. These include¹:

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 - 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;
a 45-percent reduction in the size of the fuel cell powertrain - nearly equivalent, in terms of volume, to a modern gas-electric hybrid powertrain;
an advanced new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40 percent lighter and 50 percent smaller than the current-generation FCX's ultra-capacitor; and
a single 5,000-psi hydrogen storage tank with 10 percent additional hydrogen capacity than the previous model.

FCX Clarity Design

More than just a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity speaks to Honda's vision of the future of automobile design and performance freed from the constraints of conventional powertrain technologies. The FCX Clarity's four-door sedan platform features a short-nose body and spacious cabin with comfortable accommodations for four people and their luggage. Major powertrain components - including the electric motor, fuel cell stack, battery pack and hydrogen tank - have been made more compact and are distributed throughout the vehicle to further optimize space, comfort and total vehicle performance.

Advanced Materials and Components

In keeping with its theme as an environmentally-advanced automobile, the FCX Clarity features seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric - a newly-developed, plant-based material that offers CO₂ reductions as an alternative to traditional interior materials, along with outstanding durability and resistance to wear, stretching, and damage from sunlight.

Designed to appeal to forward-thinking customers seeking the ultimate in zero-emissions, alternative-fuel vehicle performance, the FCX Clarity is also equipped with a full compliment of advanced safety, comfort and convenience features, including a state-of-the-art navigation system with hydrogen station locations, backup camera, premium audio, climate-controlled seats and Bluetooth™ connectivity.

Other improvements, such as shift-by-wire, electric power steering (EPS), and a newly-designed instrument panel with an easy-to-read hydrogen fuel-consumption display, further improve its customer appeal and ease of operation.

CO₂ Emissions

The FCX Clarity's only emission is water. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions come only from the production of hydrogen, which varies by source; however, well-to-wheel CO₂ emissions using hydrogen reformed from natural gas - the most widely used method of production today - are less than half that of a conventional gasoline vehicle. With the production of hydrogen from water by electrolysis, CO₂ emissions can be further reduced and ultimately approach zero if the electricity used for electrolysis is generated using solar, wind, water or nuclear power.

Honda has developed its own solar cells, with half of the CO₂ emissions in the production stage compared to conventional crystalline silicon cells; and has begun mass-production and retail sales of this technology in Japan for both commercial and residential use.

Fuel Cell Leadership

Based on its vision of, "Blue Skies for our Children", Honda has worked for forty years at reducing the environmental impact of the automobile, including efforts to reduce emissions, boost fuel efficiency and, now, many industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle - a technology and fuel that Honda believes may hold the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future. Honda's pioneering achievements in this area include the first EPA and CARB certification of a fuel cell vehicle (2002); the first lease of a fuel cell vehicle (2002); the first fuel cell vehicle to receive an EPA fuel economy rating (2002); the first cold-weather customer (2004); the first and still only individual retail customers (2005, 2007); and the first and still only fuel cell vehicle to be eligible for a federal tax credit.

About Honda

Honda is America's most fuel-efficient car company and a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions, including advanced gasoline engines, gasoline-electric hybrids, natural gas-powered engines, and hydrogen fuel cells. Founded in Japan in 1948, Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production³ of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982. The company has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations with 14 major manufacturing facilities, employment of more than 35,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $17.6 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America.

A consumer Web site for the FCX is available at fcx.honda.com. Media information, high-resolution images and video of the FCX Clarity (and other Honda vehicles) is available at www.hondanews.com. More information about Honda's environmental initiatives and products can be found in the company's annual North American Environmental Report which can be downloaded at www.honda.com.

¹ Specifications may change prior to the certification and sales of production units.
² Honda in-house calculation
³ Using domestic and globally sourced parts

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Clarity - Main Specifications

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Model type			Honda fuel cell vehicle
Name			FCX Clarity
Dimensions, weight, occupancy	Overall length (inches)		190.3
	Overall width (inches)		72.7
	Overall height (inches)		57.8
	Wheelbase (inches)		110.2
	Tread (front/rear, inches)		62.2/62.8
	Vehicle weight (pounds [kg])		3,582 [1,625]
	Number of occupants		4
Performance	Maximum speed (mph)		100
	Vehicle range, previous EPA approved method (miles)*		270
Powertrain	Drive method		Front-wheel drive
	Motor	Type	AC synchronous electric motor (permanent magnet)
		Max. output (kW [HP])	100 [134]
		Max. torque (N·m [kg·m])	256 [26.1]
	Fuel cell stack	Type	PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell)
		Max. output (kW)*	100
	Lithium-ion battery	Voltage (V)*	288
Fuel	Type		Compressed hydrogen gas
	Storage		High-pressure hydrogen tank
	Tank capacity (L)		171
	Max. pressure when full (MPa)		35

Specifications subject to change prior to production
Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Mileage will vary depending on how the vehicle is driven.
Specifications are determined in accordance with procedures proscribed in Road Transportation Motor Vehicle Law, except where marked by an asterisk (*) indicating Honda test values.
FCX, Clarity, Honda FC Stack, V Flow FC Platform, InterNavi System, and VSA are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

FCX Clarity: Honda Introduces Experimental Home Energy Station IV

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Honda today announced that it has begun using the Home Energy Station IV at its Honda R&D Americas, Inc. facility in Torrance, California. This fourth-generation experimental unit is designed to provide fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, as well as heat and electricity for a home. The new system is more compact and efficient, with a lower operating cost than previous models. The announcement coincides with the world debut of the all-new FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Honda's Home Energy Station technology is designed to facilitate the broader adoption of zero-emissions fuel cell vehicles, like the FCX Clarity, by developing a home refueling solution that makes efficient use of a home's existing natural gas supply for production of hydrogen, while providing heat and electricity to an average-size home.

The Home Energy Station IV can reduce both cost and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions for the consumer. Compared to the average U.S. consumer's home with grid-supplied electricity and a gasoline-powered car, a home using Home Energy Station IV to help produce heat and electricity and also to refuel an FCX Clarity can reduce CO₂ emissions by an estimated 30 percent and energy costs by an estimated 50 percent.

"Honda is striving to address the need for a refueling infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles," said Ben Knight, vice president of Honda R&D Americas. "The Home Energy Station represents one promising solution to this issue, while offering the added benefit of heating and powering the home more efficiently."

Working with technology partner, Plug Power, Inc., Honda began operation of a Home Energy Station in October, 2003. Home Energy Station IV represents the latest evolution of the technology with a 70 percent reduction in size compared to the first unit, making it even more suitable for household installation. By combining gas purification and power generation components, overall size reduction and efficiency gains are achieved, while enabling it to switch from hydrogen refining to power generation when needed.

For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Home Energy Station, the Honda FCX Clarity and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

FCX Clarity: Honda's All-New Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Electric Vehicle To Debut at 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:00:00 -0700

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.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Builds Hydrogen-Powered Future with History of Firsts

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:00:00 -0700

Honda has paced the industry in the development and application of hydrogen fuel cell technology as well as the refueling infrastructure that ultimately will be required to take it to the mass market.

Always, Honda has sought to apply its latest technology in real-world settings and to meet or exceed customers' expectations for the quality, reliability and safety of its fuel cell vehicles. Honda-developed technology has broken through technical barriers for fuel cell vehicles such as cold-weather start-up and operation. Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the "chicken and the egg" dilemma of the vehicle and the refueling infrastructure.

FCX (Fuel Cell Vehicle)

The FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel cell vehicle to also meet all safety standards in July 2002. The FCX was also the world's first production fuel cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in October 2002. Additional highlights include:

The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle placed in the hands of an individual customer, the Spallino family of Southern California (July 2005).
The world's youngest fuel cell customer, 17-year-old actress Q'orianka Kilcher leased an FCX in March 2007, making her the first person ever whose first car was powered by hydrogen.
In five years of use with fleet customers including government entities in California, Nevada and the state of New York, the FCX has performed well under often harsh conditions, with minimal service support even in the extreme heat of the Western deserts and the bitter cold of the Northeast.

Next-Generation Honda Fuel Cell Technology

Honda's next-generation fuel cell vehicle, based on the FCX Concept with Honda's V Flow stack, will be marketed to customers in the U.S. and Japan beginning in 2008.

The next-generation sedan features a low center of gravity and a full-sized cabin, offering a level of driving pleasure and roomy interior previously unimaginable in a fuel cell vehicle.
New Honda V Flow fuel cell stack delivers more power in less space with improved efficiency, power output, driving range, reliability and cold-weather performance.
The compact form and vertical-orientation of the V Flow stack provide for a low-floor, low-riding, short-nose body that contributes to the vehicle's roomy sedan interior and futuristic appeal.

Hydrogen Home Energy Station and Improved Solar-Cell Technology

Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the "chicken and the egg" dilemma of the vehicle and the refueling infrastructure. This includes the third-generation of development of its experimental Home Energy Station and Honda-developed solar cell technology to power its own fuel cell vehicles in a completely carbon-free energy system

Honda is testing the third-generation Home Energy Station at Honda R&D America's headquarters in Torrance, California, developed in partnership with Plug Power, Inc. A second-generation system is also in operation at Plug Power headquarters in Albany, NY.
The Home Energy Station is a home refueling unit that provides hydrogen from natural gas for vehicle refueling, heat for domestic hot water use and electricity for the home.
Honda R&D is also operating an experimental solar cell-powered hydrogen refueling station in Torrance, California. The station employs next-generation CIGS solar cells, developed by Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., which lowers the amount of non-renewable energy required for hydrogen production.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Becomes First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Acknowledged by IRS for $12,000 Federal Tax Credit

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The IRS announced in July that the hydrogen-powered Honda FCX fuel cell vehicle became eligible for the Qualified Fuel Cell Motor Vehicle Credit program. The credit is part of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, which seeks to promote affordable, dependable and environmentally-sound production and distribution of energy for America's future.

Propelled by electricity that is generated by a hydrogen fuel cell in conjunction with an advanced Honda-designed ultracapacitor, the FCX fuel cell vehicle's only emission is water vapor.

"This tax credit helps offset the higher costs associated with the early development of advanced technology vehicles that reduce CO2 emissions and dependence on oil. It is a further validation that the FCX is a real vehicle and another step towards market viability" said Stephen Ellis, Fuel Cell Vehicle Marketing Manager at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

In public use since 2002, the FCX is part of a long line of Honda vehicles developed to reduce the impact of transportation on the environment. The FCX is powered by Honda's originally developed fuel cell stack (Honda FC Stack) with the breakthrough capability to start and operate in freezing temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, along with increased performance, range and fuel efficiency compared with earlier models.

The FCX is the only fuel cell vehicle certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and U.S. EPA. The CARB and EPA have also certified the FCX as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and the EPA has confirmed a range of 210 miles. With seating for four people, the FCX is practical for a wide range of real-world applications, allowing placement of over 15 vehicles on the road in the hands of customers, including the cities of Los Angeles; San Francisco; Las Vegas; Chula Vista, California; the California South Coast Air Quality Management District and the state of New York.

In 2005, Honda was the first to lease a fuel cell vehicle to an individual customer with a second customer added in 2007. Additionally, the Honda FCX is the only fuel cell vehicle fully certified to meet the applicable federal government crash safety standards. Honda undertook fuel cell research in 1989 and has been road testing vehicles in the United States since 1999. Honda has also been a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership since 1999.

FCX Clarity: Honda FCX Concept on Display at Los Angeles Auto Show

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:38:00 -0800

A fully-functional Honda FCX Concept vehicle will be on display for the first time to the general public at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The FCX Concept features a newly developed compact, high-efficiency Honda FC Stack as well as a low-floor, low-riding, short-nose body. It offers a comfortably large cabin and futuristic styling along with significant improvements in power output and environmental performance. Limited marketing of a totally new fuel cell vehicle based on this concept model is to begin in 2008 in Japan and the U.S.

To meet Honda objectives for significant gains in both environmental and driving performance, the FCX Concept is equipped with a V Flow fuel cell platform consisting of a compact, high-efficiency fuel cell stack arranged in an innovative center-tunnel layout. This has allowed designers to create an elegant, low-riding, sedan form that would have been difficult to achieve in a conventional fuel cell vehicle. This new fuel cell stack is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the current FCX FC Stack, yet its power output is 14kW greater. The drive motor has been positioned coaxially with the gearbox for a more compact design, with output increased by 15kW. Overall, the power plant is about 180kg lighter than that of the current FCX and about 40 percent smaller in volume. The result is improved energy efficiency and performance along with a more spacious interior.

While with previous fuel cell stacks the hydrogen and the water formed in electricity generation flowed horizontally, the new FCX Concept features vertical-flow design. This allows gravity to assist in discharging the water that is produced, resulting in a major improvement in water drainage, key to high-efficiency fuel stack performance. The result is stable power generation under a broad range of conditions, and higher output from a smaller package. Low-temperature startup has also been significantly improved, enabling cold-weather starts at temperatures 10˚C lower than the current FCX - as low as minus 30˚C.

As an auxiliary power source, the FCX Concept carries a compact, high-efficiency lithium ion battery, contributing to increased power output and a more compact power plant. These efficiency improvements to major power plant components give the vehicle a travel range approximately 30 percent greater than the current FCX. The vehicle is also highly efficient, with an energy efficiency of around 60 percent -approximately three times that of a gasoline-engine vehicle, twice that of a hybrid vehicle, and 10 percent better than the current FCX.

Other features include seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric, a plant-based material that offers outstanding durability and resistance to sunlight damage. Other improvements such as Shift-by-Wire and a newly designed instrument panel with easy-to-read display of hydrogen fuel consumption facilitate improved ease of operation.
The new fuel cell vehicle currently under development for release in 2008, will feature the principle technologies of the FCX Concept to achieve a new dimension in environmentally friendly driving pleasure not found with gasoline-engine vehicles.

Stack Layout Comparison


New stack layout (hydrogen and water flow vertically)		Previous stack layout (hydrogen and water flow horizontally)

Specifications

Number of passengers		4
Motor	Max. Output	95kW (129PS, 127 horsepower)
	Max. Torque	256N-m (26.1kg-m, 188.8 lb-ft.)
	Type	AC synchronous motor (Honda Mfg.)
Fuel Cell Stack	Type	PEFC(proton exchange membrane fuel cell, Honda Mfg.)
Fuel Cell Stack	Output	100kW
Fuel	Type	Compressed hydrogen
	Storage	High-pressure hydrogen tank (350atm)
	Tank Capacity	171 liters
Dimensions (L x W x H)		4,760 x 1,865 x 1,445mm (187.4 x 73.4 x 56.9 inches)
Max. Speed		160km/h (100 mph)
Energy Storage		Lithium Ion Battery
Vehicle Range*		270 miles

* Preliminary EPA driving range determined by Honda using the current EPA calculation method.
Source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

FCX Clarity: Honda Demonstrates the FCX Concept Vehicle in United States

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 16:54:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today held a demonstration drive of the next-generation FCX Concept fuel cell vehicle at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California. The FCX Concept features a newly developed compact, high-efficiency Honda FC Stack as well as a low-floor, low-riding, short-nose body. It offers a comfortably large cabin and futuristic styling along with significant improvements in power output and environmental performance. Limited marketing of a totally new fuel cell vehicle based on this concept model is to begin in 2008 in Japan and the U.S.

To meet Honda objectives for significant gains in both environmental and driving performance, the FCX Concept is equipped with a V Flow1 fuel cell platform consisting of a compact, high-efficiency fuel cell stack arranged in an innovative center-tunnel layout. This has allowed designers to create an elegant, low-riding, sedan form that would have been difficult to achieve in a conventional fuel cell vehicle. This new fuel cell stack is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the current FCX FC Stack, yet its power output is 14kW greater. The drive motor has been positioned coaxially with the gearbox for a more compact design, with output increased by 15kW. Overall, the power plant is about 180kg lighter than that of the current FCX and about 40 percent smaller in volume. The result is improved energy efficiency and performance along with a more spacious interior.

Stack Layout Comparison


New stack layout (hydrogen and water flow vertically)		Previous stack layout (hydrogen and water flow horizontally)

Specifications

Number of passengers		4
Motor	Max. Output	95kW (129PS, 127 horsepower)
	Max. Torque	256N-m (26.1kg-m, 188.8 lb-ft.)
	Type	AC synchronous motor (Honda mfg.)
Fuel Cell Stack	Type	PEFC(proton exchange membrane fuel cell, Honda Mfg.)
	Output	100kW
Fuel	Type	Compressed hydrogen
	Storage	High-pressure hydrogen tank (350atm)
	Tank Capacity	171 liters
Dimensions (L x W x H)		4,760 x 1,865 x 1,445mm (187.4 x 73.4 x 56.9 inches)
Max. Speed		160km/h (100 mph)
Energy Storage		Lithium Ion Battery
Vehicle Range*		270 miles

* Preliminary EPA driving range determined by Honda using the current EPA calculation method.
Source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.