Honda's FCX Clarity: How It Works

by Craig Canine

ISSUE: Spring 2010, short takes  |  February 28, 2010

Click for full-size image ©2009 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The key to a hydrogen-powered vehicle is the fuel cell stack (A), which operates like a miniature power plant, generating electricity to drive the car's motor (B). By using compressed hydrogen stored in a tank (C) behind the rear seat and combining it with atmospheric oxygen, the process produces no CO2 or other pollutants. With thinner fuel cells and a smaller box than previous designs, the V Flow Honda FC Stack fits neatly into the car's central tunnel between the front seats. When extra power is required for start-up and acceleration, electricity from the fuel cell stack is supplemented by a lithium-ion battery (D). When the car decelerates, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity, which is then stored in the battery.

Tags

fuel cell | hydrogen-powered vehicle

Comments

  • karen wrbelis wrote on March 16, 2010, 12:48PM : Flag this comment as inappropriate Flag this comment as inappropriate

    Why arent they sold to the public yet? We need it now!! karen Wrbelis

  • Jeff Krasowski wrote on March 18, 2010, 08:01AM : Flag this comment as inappropriate Flag this comment as inappropriate

    I second Karen's enthusiasm. However, we must understand there is significant infrastructure needed for refueling locations, maintenance shops, etc. As with any investment, the station owners need to see what their return on investment period will be for the cost of setting up a new fueling station or adding capability to existing fueling stations. There needs to be a financial WIFM (what's in it for me) benefit to the business owners in order to motivate them to move forward.

  • Tomlin Perkins Coggeshall wrote on May 09, 2010, 09:21PM : Flag this comment as inappropriate Flag this comment as inappropriate

    I drove this car at the National Hydrogen Association conference in Long Beach, CA May 3 - 6, 2010. Excellent vehicle, great torque, ready to go. All we need to do is add hydrogen capability at existing gas stations. They are beginning to do that in the Los Angeles region. More are needed nation-wide but this work is beginning. It will bring jobs here at home, let's get going.

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