The Fuel Cell Car - How Close are We?
Car manufacturers are assessing the feasibility of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle as a significant, yet partial solution to the problems
associated with internal combustion vehicles. Among these forward-looking car makers, Honda has developed a fuel
cell sedan called the FCX Clarity. As an experiment, limited numbers of the Clarity are available and only drivers
in a certain region are qualified to lease the vehicle. Nevertheless, the streamlined sedan is ready to hit the
road and leave nothing but water behind.
On June 16th, 2008, Honda released its first batch of the FCX Clarity to drivers in the Southern California area,
specifically in the towns of Irvine, Santa Monica, and Torrance. Drivers applied several months prior to the release
and were selected for their diverse backgrounds and driving habits. Honda wants to get feedback from a cross-section of the American buying public to predict the
possible reception of a full-release (perhaps years later). Right now, there are three hydrogen filling stations
in operation and Honda dealerships in the area are prepared to deal with any issues that might arise with the FCX
Clarity. Also, according to critics, the fuel cell sedan was released in a warm climate because there is a potential
for freezing to occur in the exhaust system in cold regions. In addition, the FCX Clarity is being leased to the
qualified drivers at nearly $600 per month, a price Southern Californians probably judge as reasonable for such
an exotic and green status symbol, as opposed to drivers in colder Midwest communities.
The FCX Clarity is powered by a fuel cell which catalyzes the release of electricity. The car is equipped with
a lithium ion battery to store the electricity, which is used to propel the electric drive motor. A full tank
of hydrogen will generate enough electricity to go 270-miles. The FCX Clarity is as environmentally friendly as
a vehicle can get, even taking into account the anticipated problem of proper recycling of spent lithium batteries.
The fuel cell produces virtually no pollutants by only releasing water into the air. With the circulation of the
FCX Clarity, Honda hopes to enlighten drivers about green solutions to a prevalent social and environmental issue.
Honda isn’t the only maker jumping on the hydrogen train. Chevrolet has created a fuel cell Equinox and started
the initial release with Project Driveway. Also, Nissan has developed a fuel cell crossover called the X-Trail. In Japan, Toyota will soon introduce
its fuel cell vehicle, the FCHV-adv. The current phase of fuel cell vehicle development is attempting to pave
the way for more affordable fuel cell vehicles and more accessible hydrogen fuel in the future. Developers view
2010 as the lift-off date for a possible nationwide distribution of fuel cell vehicles.
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Page modified 6/23/2008