June 16, 2008, in a factory a few miles north of Tokyo, Japan, several employees dressed in white jumpsuits, including company president, Takeo Fukui, gathered with smiles beaming as Honda unveiled its latest automobile 16 years in the making.
From the outside, this new vehicle looks like any other exquisitely designed luxury car with its sleek design and various electronic gizmos to delight most enthusiasts. However, things get more interesting once you take a peep underneath the engine bonnet. The FCX Clarity is Honda’s first fuel cell automobile intended for mass production. Powered by hydrogen, which mixes with oxygen, the motor engine is able to generate about 100 kilowatts of electricity, able to propel the car to a top speed of 100 miles per hour, and a combined city and highway mileage of about 74 miles per gallon, which is about 3 times more than the combined mileage of an equivalent petrol car. This car also boasts a backup lithium-ion battery pack for added oomph during hard accelerations, while also powering some of the car’s electronics. The battery is always in a constant state of charge, filling up each time the brakes are applied.
According to Mr Fukui, this is Honda’s answer to higher oil prices, carbon emissions and the challenges of global warming as the Clarity does not depend on fossil fuels i.e. oil or natural gas. Even more fascinating is the water and vapour the engine emits as by-products, both of which are not harmful to the environment.
Honda plans to introduce 200 prototypes for a trial period over the next three years in Southern California, and then Japan. John Kingston, Honda’s Environment Manager (UK) confirmed that Honda is part of the Californian Fuel Cell Partnership, “a body aiming to facilitate the introduction of fuel cell products to the market”. Leasing of the Clarity commenced in July with the first two cars gone to two couples who were able to pass the stringent prequalification process, which includes proof of a commitment to alternative sources of energy and a greener lifestyle.
One of those couples is renowned actress, Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband, Christopher Guest who both advocate a cleaner environment and already own alternative fuel or hybrid cars. Mrs Curtis was astounded by the build quality of the Clarity, stating “I really wasn’t expecting it to be so luxurious. It’s luxurious, luxurious, luxurious! I love the interior layout, design and access to controls. It’s user-friendly and very modern”. The Japan release will not start until November this year; the Clarity will be leased to select government agencies and corporate customers first, and if everything goes to plan, some should become available to the general public during the first quarter of 2009. Both Japan and California are pioneers, leading the way in investing in research and also installing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. As interest in hydrogen technology grows, and energy companies start putting infrastructure in place expanding the distribution of hydrogen fuel, Honda will be able to offer the Clarity in the UK. But hold your breath, just leasing the car will cost £300 per month!
In the meantime the company are also working on a Home Energy System small enough to fit into your garage. Powered by natural gas it will be able to generate enough electricity to supply your household and refuel your new car.
Others seem to be catching up too. BMW and Mercedes are experimenting with the technology and even London Transport plan to add 10 hydrogen powered buses to its fleet after they were successfully trialled them between Convent Garden and Tower Gateway.
By Keji Oshin
