Honda Debuts All-New FCX Clarity Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle

Global warming and carbon emissions from petroleum have made almost all the car manufacturing companies to develop some alternative methods to propel cars, like bio-fuels, hydrogen fuel-cell, and solar-powered cells, etc. In a similar effort, Honda unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show-the company has further announced its plans to begin limited retail marketing of the car in the US, starting summer 2008. So, folks, you have something very special coming out to you to try to contribute in some way in curbing global warming and carbon emissions from internal combustion engines.

The FCX Clarity is a zero-emission, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle. The principle working platform is based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell and powered by Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. The car itself features tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency, and at the same time, it has striking and appealing look that was lacking in the previously launched fuel cell vehicles-the dynamism is back with the FCX Clarity car.

Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO, said, "The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we've made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology. Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles."

It is quite clear that American market will have some good choice while looking for fuel-cell based vehicles; and no question that Honda will keep on improving on its models and come to a point that everybody is predicting-replace the internal combustion engine completely.

How the FCX Clarity Works

As it is already pointed out, the FCX Clarity uses Honda's V Flow stack. This stack is used in a combination with a lithium ion battery pack and a single hydrogen storage tank to power the vehicle's electric drive motor. The main power source of the car is the fuel cell stack-the hydrogen combines with atmospheric oxygen in the fuel cell stack, and this chemical reaction of the two gases produces chemical energy, which again is converted to electric power to power the vehicle. The lithium ion battery stores the additional energy captured through regenerative braking and deceleration, and this energy is used to supplement power from the fuel cell whenever the need arises. As it is known from a very simple chemical reaction, the by-product or the emission, from automobiles' point of view, of the car is water only. The main advantage here would be zero carbon emissions, which is actually the main guiding principle for development of such vehicles.

Advancements and advantages of FCX Clarity

Of course, the market is already having lots of similar vehicles, but the FCX Clarity has some advance features that helps it get advantageous over the present generations of FCX.

1. The FCX Clarity has around 20% increase in fuel economy
2. The FCX Clarity has 30% increase in vehicle range
3. The FCX Clarity has 25% improvement in power-to-weight ratio
4. The FCX Clarity has 45% reduction in the size of the fuel cell power-train
5. The FCX Clarity uses new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40% lighter and 50% smaller

So, apart from the looks and design aspects, the car is powered by advanced technical components that would make it a stand-out in the slew.

Carbon Emissions of FCX Clarity

As it is clear from the point that Hydrogen-Oxygen chemical reaction produces the powering capacity, there are no direct carbon emissions from the FCX Clarity. Carbon emissions of the FCX Clarity come from the production of hydrogen, which is used to power the vehicle. However, this again depends upon the source of production of hydrogen, as there are many ways through which it can be lowered and ultimately brought to zero.

Conclusion

Global warming, climate change, environmental issues, carbon emissions-the buzzwords and the most searched keywords on search engines related to carbon emission; these words, buzz or key, have started a race of fuel-powered vehicles among the manufacturers. Honda, Toyota, and many other companies are looking to provide some solutions so that future car market can survive. Otherwise, the controlling emission standards provided by EU and UN will not allow anybody to have a car-in wake of such crisis the FCX Clarity can work wonders if it satisfies the needs of the customers and also deliver what it claims. The reviews of the customers and their personal experiences would be very helpful for Honda to improve on the quality and win the race against global warming and carbon emissions.