Pushing Fuel Cell Technology Further

Honda has extended the performance envelope of fuel cell vehicles with its latest FCX-V4 prototype which achieves performance closer to traditional mass-produced vehicles than previous fuel cell-powered vehicles. Improvements are claimed to have been achieved in driving performance, including maximum speed and acceleration, and cruising distance has also been extended

The previous experimental model, FCX-V3, won praise for its brisk engine starting characteristics, quietness, and take-off and acceleration. By comparison, the maximum speed of FCX-V4 has increased from 130 km/h to 140 km/h and acceleration performance has been further improved.

Each component of the fuel cell unit in FCX-V4 is also newly-designed and enables the overall package to be more compact. A new design of high-pressure hydrogen fuel tanks able to handle 350 atmospheres (5,143 psi) has contributed to a considerable increase in the vehicle cruising distance due to a greater volume of gas that can be contained. This has extended the range by some 120 kms, from 180 kms for the FCX-V3, to 300 kms. The hydrogen tanks are installed under the cabin floor allowing for more luggage space.

In the area of collision safety, crushable zones were designed in the front and the rear of the vehicle, resulting in improved safety characteristics. The size of the radiator has been enlarged for FCX-V4 for better cooling performance.

Inside, the digital meter display has a new presentation which enables a driver to grasp – at a glance – how the fuel cells and ultra-capacitors perform energy management.

Honda has conducted extensive verification tests under a variety of conditions to determine the market feasibility of fuel cell-powered vehicles. Among its activities are participation in the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP), a public road testing project for fuel cell-powered vehicles in the USA. From November 2000 through August 2001, Honda fuel cell vehicles have accumulated approximately 10,000 kms, steadily accumulating actual driving data. Honda also began public road tests in Japan in July 2001.

Honda has long held that the fuel cell will be the next-generation powerplant and address challenges such as developing alternative fuels, reducing exhaust gas emissions, and reducing the effects of global warming. The company continues to advance its technology in this field and has set the objective of introducing a production fuel cell vehicle in 2003.

FCX-V4 Powerplant Specifications

Motor
Maximum output: 60kW/82PS
Maximum torque: 238 Nm
Motor type: AC synchronous motor

Fuel cell stack
Type: Ballard PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell)
Output: 78k

Fuel
Type: Compressed hydrogen gas
Storage method: High-pressure hydrogen tank @ 350 atm
Tank capacity: 130 litres