Honda Hydrogen Car - A Step in the Right Direction

Honda Hydrogen Car - A Step in the Right Direction
by Michael Cooper
In November of 2007, Honda announced its next generation eco-friendly vehicle, the Honda FCX Clarity. Unlike many of the other eco-friendly cars such as hybrids and other hydrogen cars, the FCX Clarity hydrogen car uses what is called a fuel cell. A fuel cell is a device that creates electricity from the fuel, in this case hydrogen. The Honda V Flow fuel cell is a revolutionary breakthrough that generates enough electricity to power a real world car. The fuel cell combines hydrogen from the fuel tank with oxygen in the air to produce two things: electricity and water. That is correct; water is the only byproduct of the Honda FCX Clarity! This amazing system allows the Honda FCX Clarity to be ranked as what is known as a ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle). It has absolutely no harmful emissions of any sort. The wheels are driven by a quiet, compact electric motor that draws power from the fuel cell and from the lithium-ion (Lion) battery that like a gas hybrid is also charged when braking and driving downhill. Comparative Gas Mileage There is no direct way to compare gas mileage as hydrogen is a compressed gas and is measured in kilograms of fuel weight. The tank holds 4.1kg of fuel (about 9 pounds) which is enough to give the car a range of 280 miles. Miles per gallon is calculated using the GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) which determines the comparative energy used to move the car. Miles Per Gallon (GGE) - City: 79 - Highway: 68 - Combined: 74 Miles Per Kilogram - City: 77 - Highway: 67 - Combined: 72 Yes, you read that correctly; Miles per Kilogram. Since the fuel storage is measured in kilograms MPK will be an increasingly common method of measuring your mileage as hydrogen powered cars become more common. The Honda FCX Clarity drives just like any other Honda, with on exception, it has virtually no engine noise. With its super quiet engine it has ample pick-up and produces 134 horsepower, more than enough to move its light, aerodynamic frame around the road. The vehicle also sports a lot of Honda's upcoming features and technology with a very advanced, yet comfortable and convenient interior. Honda plans to produce a limited of the 2008 FCX Clarity models and offer them on lease at $600/month. They are available in southern California in areas near pre-existing hydrogen refueling stations. Honda has also created a Hydrogen Dealer Network where the cars are to be sold and serviced.