FCX Concept in motion

Fuel Cell Stack used in FCX Concept

Comparison of Previous and New Stack Layouts

As of March 2007, Honda had delivered 11 fuel cell vehicles to customers in Japan and 23 in the U.S. We are now developing a next-generation fuel cell vehicle to be released in 2008 in both markets. We believe that in order to achieve full-scale commercialization of fuel cell vehicles, cold start capability must be improved, vehicle range must be extended and the vehicles must be made more practical, with larger and more comfortable interiors. Working to advance our technology to achieve these goals, Honda presented a new fuel cell vehicle design concept, the FCX Concept, at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Then, in September 2006, we unveiled a fully operational prototype and held test drives at a range of events to demonstrate the vehicle's performance. To improve water management in the fuel cell stack, which is the heart of a fuel cell vehicle, we have implemented a revolutionary V Flow structure. By allowing water to be discharged from the fuel cell stack vertically, with the help of gravity, we have overcome a major challenge. The new structure features thinner cells, resulting in a more compact fuel cell stack that offers significantly higher output, with a 20% reduction in volume density and a 30% reduction in mass density, as well as significantly enhanced cold start capability (-30ºC/-22ºF cold start, -10ºC/14ºF lower than the previous model). Working steadily to achieve full-scale commercialization of fuel cell vehicles, Honda will continue to improve its advanced technology.