Honda Motor Co. demonstrated a new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, named ‘FCX Concept’ whose production would start by next year and will sell to a unique mass-market hybrid in the USA within two years.
The new Honda FCX is sportier and sleeker than the current version, with a top speed of 100 mph. It has a longer range — 270 miles, up from 210 — and a fuel cell power system that’s 400 pounds lighter and company priced it less than the $25,000 Civic hybrid.
FCX Concept seems good as their is a stiff surge in the international fuel prices, but FCX, will be marketed initially only in areas that have hydrogen fueling stations. There is one such station in Washington among 61 in operation nationwide, most of them in California.
Honda officials said that they are working with energy companies to increase hydrogen-fueling stations. The company also is working on a home fueling station that would produce hydrogen from natural gas, and would produce enough electricity to heat homes and provide hot water.
Considering Hydrogen fuel as a mode of energy in the future, Honda’s manager of fuel cell marketing Steve Ellis, said
The car . . . is not just some far-out, pie-in-the-sky exercise in what may or may not come to fruition some day in the distant future
Honda already has experience with fuel cell-powered electric vehicles. It has had 30 small, two-door FCX cars running in various locations around the country for four years.
Image: automotorsport
Via: usatoday
