Honda is constantly engaged in research and development of advanced environmental technologies that let us share the joy of environmental conservation with our customers.
This chapter shows technologies that were used for the products and are in the process
of conducting research continuously in fiscal 2000.
DOHC i-VTEC Engine
Honda announced its new high-performance, lightweight compact 2-liter gasoline engine DOHC i-VTEC in October 2000. It combines high fuel economy with clean exhaust emission performance and was mounted on the Stream that was also released for sale in the same month. This engine uses a high-intelligence valve timing and lift mechanism; a combination of Honda's unique Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electoric Control System (VTEC) that selects the valve timing and lift in accordance with the engine's rpm range and the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control Mechanism (VTC) that continuously controls the phase of air intake valve timing in accordance with engine load. This system made it possible to achieve both a high fuel economy and a high level of exhaust gas cleanliness at an "Excellent" level.
Honda FCX-V3
Fuel Cell Stack
Honda enlisted in the fuel cell vehicle public highway test project ("California Fuel Cell Partnership Program - CaFCP-) in November 2000 using its fuel cell vehicle "FCX-V3".
In February 2001 then began its test runs using the "FCX-V3 with the Honda FC Stack*1". Both the "FCX-V3" and "FCX-V3 with the Honda FC Stack" use a novel type ultra-capacitor.
This combination of a fuel cell provided with a superior continuous power generating performance and an ultra-capacitor*2 provided with an outstanding instantaneous electric discharge capability has substantially improved the vehicle's start and acceleration performance, boosted fuel economy as a result of superior energy regeneration and low loss in charge/discharge, and helped achieve outstandingly efficient energy management.
Fully sympathize the future goals and commitments of the CaFCP, Honda has continued with the test run program since its start in November 2000 mainly in Sacramento, California, and is in the process of conducting full-scale market compatibility tests on its fuelcell vehicle.
*1
Stack: Is an in-series connected array of individual fuel cells.
*2
Ultra-capacitor: Is a capacitor of a super-large capacity.
It stores energy regenerated during deceleration
to make extra power available during vehicle start and acceleration.
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