Honda reveals a new hydrogen fuel cell that halves the cost with tripled energy density
Honda, the Japanese automotive manufacturer, unveiled the next-generation fuel cell module during the 23rd International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo, in Tokyo. According to the company, this model offers some significant advancements over its predecessor, such as a 50% cost reduction, doubled durability, and a volumetric power density increase of over 3 times, “which increased the flexibility of installation layouts”.
This model –Clarity Fuel Cell– is the first completely developed by Honda, contrary to the current one, co-developed with General Motors (GM), and aims to be in mass production by 2027.
The new fuel cell module has a rated output of 150 kilowatts (kW) and achieves a maximum efficiency of 59.8%, as mentioned in the current development specifications. In terms of measures, the design is intended to be 73cm x 58cm x 70cm with a total weight of 250 kilograms, able to operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +60°C.
The company has made public its plans to produce 300 CR-V using these fuel cell models, available in the US, in California, as it is the only state with public hydrogen pumps.
“By further expanding domains for application of the system and sales regions of this next-generation fuel cell module, Honda is striving to make a greater contribution to the realization of a sustainable, energy-oriented society,” said the company in a statement.
