Honda rolls out hydrogen-fuelled FCEV in LA

Sleek fuel cell-electric vehicle hints at future Honda vehicles in LA.

Words Dave Humphreys Published 21 November 2013

What's the news?
Where better for Honda to unveil its latest fuel-cell concept than in the environmentally-conscious state of California at the Los Angeles Auto Show? The sleekly-designed FCEV is very futuristic in appearance, but also gives a tip of the hat to the original Honda Insight with its faired in rear wheels. What makes the FCEV more interesting is the fuel cell technology showcased. It features the first fuel-cell powertrain that is entirely contained in the engine bay, resulting in far more cabin space and allows for a wider variety of vehicle designs to adopt the system.

Thanks to Honda's ongoing commitment to developing fuel-cell technologies the new stack is claimed to give in excess of 60 per cent more power even though the physical size of the unit has decreased by a third in comparison to what is currently used. On the road this new fuel cell could be capable of a giving a driving range of nearly 500 kilometres and can be refuelled in around three minutes.

Anything else?
At the moment, Honda only leases its hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in parts of the US and Japan as these are the only areas with sufficient refuelling infrastructure. This network is being expanded, although it may still be some time before you're filling your car up with hydrogen on these shores.

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