FCX Clarity is powered by an electric motor. The car you drove to
work today is probably powered by an engine. The big
difference is that the motor in the FCX Clarity gets its
energy from electricity, instead of from gasoline like most
cars today. So while the FCX Clarity has the power of an engine,
it also offers the uniquely clean, quiet ride of a motor.
The distinctive, streamlined design of the FCX Clarity is possible because the compact Honda� developed V Flow fuel cell stack and other powertrain components are distributed evenly throughout the vehicle. Auxiliary regenerated energy is supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack, increasing the vehicle�s efficiency and range.
All of the advanced components in the FCX Clarity have been fine-tuned for ultimate performance in this Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) of the very near future.
Battery
Honda has developed a compact lithium-ion battery that serves as a supplemental power source in the FCX Clarity.
The battery replaces the ultra-capacitor previously taking up space behind the rear seat. The battery is small enough to fit underneath the rear seat�yet another contributor to the elegant design of the FCX Clarity.
Motor
The new high-output, compact electric motor that drives
the FCX Clarity is powerful and quiet for a smooth
and efficient ride. This lightweight motor has its roots in the
one developed by Honda for the EV Plus� electric vehicle.
High efficiency over a broad output range with low noise is
the main benefit of this next-generation motor.
The new motor was designed to take full advantage of the outstanding power-generating capability in the new Honda V-Flow stack. The new FCX Clarity reduces intake noise and vibration in the air pump to achieve an even quieter, more comfortable ride than the previous model.
The lightweight, compact motor and unitized transmission in the FCX Clarity maximize the motor�s output for a smooth, efficient and quiet driving experience.
Powertrain
The powertrain on the FCX Clarity is one of the most advanced
on the road. Distribution of the powertrain components throughout
the vehicle has enabled the FCX Clarity to achieve a graceful
and aerodynamic shape that commands attention out on the road.
This is possible in part because Honda made the V-Flow stack, motor, hydrogen storage, and other powertrain components more compact overall. Greater design flexibility dramatically increases the vehicle�s efficiency, contributing to the 30% increase in range over the previous model.
Noise-reduction measures in the powertrain make the ride in an FCX Clarity quiet and enjoyable, reminding you once again that you are driving the most environmentally responsible vehicle on the road.
V Flow
The Honda-developed Vertical Flow (V-Flow) fuel cell stack is nothing short of revolutionary. The advanced layout enables a vertical flow of hydrogen and oxygen from the air through a more efficient package; and it allows cold-weather startups in as low a temperature as minus 30 degrees Celsius.
The compact design also allows better distribution of the powertrain components for a sleek cabin-forward look, that was not possible in earlier models.
How It Works - A hydrogen fuel cell produces electricity for the vehicle. The fuel cell combines hydrogen, which is stored in a fuel tank onboard the vehicle, with oxygen from the air to make electricity. The electricity then powers the electric motor, which in turn drives the front wheels. Water vapor and heat are the only byproducts.
A fuel cell is made up of a thin electrolyte film wedged between two electrode layers in between two separators. Several hundred layers of these cells are connected in a series.
1. Hydrogen fuel is fed into the anode of the fuel cell. Helped by a catalyst, hydrogen atoms are split into electrons and protons.
2. Electrons are channeled through a circuit to produce electricity.
3. Protons pass through the polymer electrolyte membrane.
4. Oxygen (from the air) enters the cathode and combines with the electrons and protons to form water.
5. Water vapor and heat are released as byproducts of this reaction.
Advances in fuel cell vehicle design accelerated rapidly once we began to develop our Honda fuel cell stack, turning conventional thinking literally on its ear. Read more about the Honda fuel-cell evolution.
Drive FCX Clarity
The FCX Clarity is ready for the road. A limited number of
these groundbreaking vehicles will be leased to Southern
Californians starting during the summer of 2008.
The reason for this limited initial release is that in order to drive a fuel cell vehicle, you have to be able to refuel it. And since these clean cars do not run on gasoline, you can�t just stop off at your regular corner gas station to fill up. Hydrogen fuel stations are critical to the deployment of a fuel cell car and, as it stands now, stations accessible to the public are still quite limited.
Therefore, only customers currently residing in the Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine areas who meet additional qualification criteria will be eligible to take an FCX Clarity home. Honda wants to ensure that FCX Clarity drivers will be able to take their vehicles in for service at participating dealers and have convenient access to refueling stations. Leasing will be handled through American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in conjunction with local dealers. Maintenance will also be covered by the three-year $600/month lease.
If you live outside the area, don�t worry. We plan to roll out more of these amazing vehicles as more hydrogen refueling options become available. A key component of this effort is the development of Honda's Home Energy Stations. At Honda we believe that hydrogen fuel cells have the power to change our society�s energy and mobility needs, and we are thrilled to have met this milestone with the introduction of the all-new FCX Clarity.