Honda
FCV
Honda
is an industry leader in the development of hydrogen-powered fuel cell
vehicles. In 2002, it was the first automaker to begin a retail initiative with
the leasing of fuel cell vehicles to fleet customers with its original FCX
hatch, and by 2005 it was already leasing the cars to individuals. A couple of
years later the FCX Clarity sedan was launched and to this day there are
roughly two dozen of them still on American roads.
Over
the past couple of years Honda has been trotting out concept versions of a new
fuel cell vehicle due on the market in 2016, and today we have our first look
at the production version. Tentatively called the FCV, the new fuel cell
vehicle will make its world debut next month at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show and
should be in Japanese showrooms by March. A showroom appearance in Europe and
the United States is expected shortly after.
The
FCV is in the shape of a sedan, making it a direct successor to the FCX
Clarity. Honda says it is the first fuel cell vehicle to house the entire
fuel-cell powertrain (fuel cell stack and electric motor) under the hood, thus
allowing the cabin to be as roomy as in a conventional sedan. Five adults
should be able to fit comfortably, Honda says.
With
its hydrogen storage tanks filled, the FCV is claimed to be capable of
traveling over 400 miles. As a novelty, the FCV is designed to be connected to
an external power feeding inverter, allowing it to serve as a mobile source of
electricity for emergency situations.
