Honda FCX 2009

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., April 9, 2009 - Recognizing Honda's commitment to environmental leadership in the area of alternative fuels and hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology, the Honda FCX Clarity was declared the 2009 World Green Car, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.

The Zero-Emission Sedan of the Future

Zero emissions

Domestic fuel

Helps slow increase in greenhouse gases

Performance

The novel four-wheel-drive system has one front 80-kW electric motor with two in-wheel,

25-kw motors at the rear.

Fun to drive

Smooth and powerful

Groundbreaking new fuel cell stack

Safety

Six airbags

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)

Manufacturer Honda Also called Honda FCX Production 2008–present Class mid-size Body style(s) 4-door sedan Layout FF layout Engine(s) electric motor Wheelbase 110.2 in (2799 mm) Length 190.3 in (4834 mm) Width 72.7 in (1847 mm) Height 57.8 in (1468 mm) Curb weight 3,528 lb (1,600 kg) Related Honda Insight (2nd Generation)

"The FCX Clarity is a symbol of the progress we have made with fuel cell vehicles and our commitment to developing vehicles that promote renewable energy supplies and zero-emissions transportation," said Steve Center, vice president, national Marketing Operations for American Honda.

The FCX Clarity, a sleekly styled hydrogen fuel cell-powered sedan currently available on a limited lease-basis, is propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated by an on-board fuel cell stack. The vehicle's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is up to three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle.

The most distinctive feature of the FCX Clarity—other than the fuel cell itself—is the streamlined layout made possible by its compact and efficient powertrain components.
The fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen to make electricity. The electricity then powers the electric motor, which in turn propels the vehicle. Water is the only byproduct the FCX Clarity leaves behind.

Roll over the numbered steps to learn about each stage of the process.
1. Hydrogen tank – Stores hydrogen
2. V Flow fuel cell stack – Generates electricity
3. Lithium-ion battery – Stores electricity
4. Power Drive Unit (PDU) – Governs electrical flow
5. Electric drive motor – Propels vehicle

From the start, Honda engineers designed this car to be tons of fun to drive. Acceleration in the FCX Clarity is smooth and powerful for a great overall driving experience.
Information gleaned from multiple generations of Honda fuel cell vehicles pays off right now. Compared to the previous model, the powertrain on this next-generation FCX Clarity:

•Is over 397 pounds lighter

•Has 120% better power-to-weight ratio

•Is 20% more fuel efficient

•Has a powertrain that is 45% more compact and 10% more energy-efficient

•Free and Clear

•First, the basics: a fuel cell vehicle is powered by an electric motor running on electricity generated by a hydrogen-powered fuel cell stack. The more efficient Honda E-Drive electric motor lets you drive with peace of mind knowing that you are helping to reduce the amount of CO2 being released in our atmosphere. The compact coaxial motor is quieter and can run at higher rpm, for greater efficiency and speed.

•Get Vertical

•The Vertical Flow (V Flow) fuel cell stack is one of Honda’s greatest breakthroughs in this area. The new design is smaller, allowing for better packaging efficiency. With a smaller stack, there’s room for more people. This ingenious design allows higher cell voltage stability and reduces the amount of heat generated. Gravity also helps with drainage of the excess water.
•Added Power

•The compact, high-efficiency lithium-ion battery pack is used as a supplemental power source capturing lost energy during deceleration and braking. The new lithium-ion battery delivers improved performance and energy recovery in a more lightweight, compact package. The new battery is significantly lighter and smaller than the ultra-capacitor of the 2005 FCX, allowing it to be stowed under the rear seat. This gives the car more passenger space and a bigger trunk.

•Low Profile

•Stylish? Definitely. It’s time to take another look at the FCX. This new model has a lower floor and sleeker overall design thanks to integration of the more compact stack and smaller powertrain. Thin A-pillars allow better visibility. A flat-bottom underbody reduces aerodynamic drag and increases efficiency.

•high safety standards can apply to all vehicles—even the groundbreaking ones. Six airbags are standard. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) systems are standard. Even a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) is present and accounted for. And the FCX Clarity passed all the rigorous tests required by U.S. safety standards that other Honda models have endured. So you can drive the FCX Clarity with confidence.