Honda Delivering Fuel-cell Vehicles in July
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will deliver the first FCX Clarity this month to film producer Ron Yerxa. Four other Americans also have ordered the company's next generation hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, which is being manufactured in Japan.
American Honda has established a network of dealers in Southern California to facilitate the sales and service of fuel cell vehicles. All three are located near hydrogen refueling stations.
"Auto companies can't explore the potential for fuel cell technology as the ultimate solution to our world's energy and environmental challenges by ourselves. Our customers are true pioneers and leaders in the effort to bring fuel cell technology to the marketplace," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda.
Ron Yerxa, a film producer and partner at Bona Fide Productions, is a long-time car enthusiast and advocate for the environment. He first learned of the FCX Concept vehicle from a car magazine and contacted American Honda to share his interest and enthusiasm.
The FCX Clarity is propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, the vehicle's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile. Significant advances over the previous generation include:
• a greater than 30 percent increase in driving range up to 280 miles*,
• a 25 percent increase in combined fuel economy to 72 miles/kg-H2*
(74 mpg GGE (miles per gallon gasoline gallon equivalent energy)),
• a 50 percent improvement in fuel stack power output density by volume,
• a 40 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter new lithium ion battery pack.
Honda is responsible for the development of the world's first fuel cell car (Honda FCX) to be certified for regular commercial use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board; the first deployment of a fuel cell car with a fleet customer; and the first individual retail customer for a fuel cell vehicle.
*Based on official 2008 EPA estimated range and fuel efficiency values