Honda First to Produce Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles - 11/20/06

The Honda FCX is slated to be the first fuel cell car to come off a production line.  The FCX looks like a futuristic version of blended Honda cars but instead of running on fossil fuel this fuel cell car runs on hydrogen. 

This is the first hydrogen fueled car to be placed in the hands of retail customers.  Honda claims this car is not remade from some other platforms.  Several other large carmakers have made fuel cell cars by combining platforms from existing gas or electric powered vehicles. 

Honda plans within two years to produce and lease to the public cars based upon the FCX concept car.  Honda projects the lease will be $600 to $700 a month.  Leasing allows the automaker to retain control of the car.

Honda rented the Laguna Seca Raceway to show off the only two FCX cars the customer says are worth 2 million each.  Reporters were allowed to drive the cars around the track.  The cars performed like any sports sedan but what makes it different is its fuel cells produce electricity using an electro chemical process mixing hydrogen and oxygen.  The electricity produced powers an electric motor which turn the front wheels. 

Honda knows it has many barriers before a production car is ready for the market.  The biggest problem is where the car can be fueled. There are 23 hydrogen fuel stations in California and 14 more are on the way. 

According to Professor Joan Ogden of the University of California there are studies that say that in the next 10 years there will be a roll out of hydrogen powered cars and fueling stations in California.  Others like David Friedman, research director for vehicle programs at the Union of Concerned Scientists believe we are 20 to 30 years away.  Friedman cites problems with starting the fuel cell system in minus 40 degree weather.  He says we must make a durable and cheep vehicle that is power by hydrogen produced by means other than fossil fuel.

Ben Knight Vice President of Honda said the fuel cell will get 65 miles to gallon of hydrogen fuel.

Source
Author: Michael Taylor
San Francisco Chronicle

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