Both electric cars and hybrid designs have our full attention, but there's a third alternative in development based on the use of hydrogen as fuel. The benefits are significant: the only thing that comes out of the exhaust pipe is water vapor. However, factors like cost and size have hindered its evolution, until now. Honda's FCV concept not only features a miniaturized version of the hydrogen system, but it also costs a tenth compared to previous models.
The progress of electric and hybrid cars is remarkable. More and more drivers decide to give up traditional fuel (whether partially or completely), which certainly demands an adjustment process, but the long-term benefits are compelling. We must also add secondary events such as the scandal that shook Volkswagen due to the manipulation of emission results in its diesel cars, which has also splashed other manufacturers guilty of similar alterations. Fortunately, electric and hybrid cars are not alone in this adventure. "Hydrogen cars" are still part of a very exclusive minority, but what Honda has to offer is very promising.
The FCV concept has been dancing among specialized sites for a few months, and will be presented today as a preview at the Tokyo Motor Show. Its exterior doesn't tell us much, as it's on par with many other designs, but the most important thing is on the inside. For the first time, the entire hydrogen combustion system is contained in the same space that a traditional engine demands (available comparisons give it the same volume as a V-6 engine), thus allowing to increase both its loading capacity and the number of seats for passengers (a maximum of five in the current prototype).
The FCV delivers a range of 700 kilometers with a single charge (which takes no more than five minutes), and it has an advantage that could drastically change the development of hydrogen technologies: According to Honda, its fuel cell system costs a tenth when compared to previous versions. One of the big doubts for any hydrogen car is precisely access to that element, but Honda also wants to remove that from the equation with a compact platform called Smart Hydrogen Station, which would allow us to produce hydrogen at home with high-pressure electrolysis. It is expected that the Honda FCV will debut in Japan next year, although there is no data on the price. Are we ready for hydrogen?
