Tags: Honda Honda Concept concept cars Technologies & Safety Hybrid Engines
In a world first, Honda last year delivered one of its FCX fuel cell cars to a private individual in the US. Now a glimpse of how a Honda production fuel cell vehicle might appear in three to four years' time is provided by the FCX Concept, which boasts a fuel cell system that delivers more power in less space, in a unique, low-floor platform.
The sleek, premium four-door sedan's low centre of gravity and full-sized cabin offer the kind of driving pleasure and roomy interior previously unimaginable in a fuel cell vehicle. The FCX Concept also features a wide range of technology both for extremely efficient performance and to enhance the driving experience.
Fuel cell vehicles must accommodate a wide array of equipment: as well as the fuel cell stack, there is the motor and hydrogen tank which have traditionally been accommodated by raising the height of the floor. The packaging efficiency of Honda's new compact V Flow fuel cell platform means that it has been possible to create the lowest floor in a fuel cell car so far.
At its heart is the V Flow fuel cell stack in which the cells are arranged vertically. This is compact enough to fit neatly into the centre tunnel but capable of producing 100 kW of power and offering good performance even in sub-zero temperatures – previously an obstacle in the commercialisation of fuel cell vehicles. The key to good fuel cell performance is water management, and Honda's latest stack uses an innovative vertical gas flow, whereby oxygen and hydrogen flow downwards, with the water that is formed efficiently discharged under the action of gravity. The design achieves ultra-low-temperature start-up performance on a par with that of a petrol engine.
The drivetrain features three energy-efficient motors to deliver all-wheel drive. The 80 kW front-drive motor is coaxial with the gearbox which allows for a short and compact front end. Each of the rear wheels contains a thin, eccentric 25 kW motor which contribute to the space efficiency of the low-floor design.
Premium, intelligent technologies
The instrument panel in front of the passenger seat tilts up and down through 45 degrees in response to vehicle speed. Tilting the panel upwards during high-speed driving gives the passenger a sense of security, while tilting it downwards during low-speed travel opens the space for a more relaxed feel.
A Biometrics Driving Unit ensures that drivers approaching their car are recognised by vehicle sensors and intelligent cameras, prompting the unlocking of the doors and the setting of the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and instrument panel to the optimal position.
Furthermore, a system installed in the instrument panel senses the driver's line of sight shifting towards menu icons, and operates switches accordingly, allowing the driver hands-free operation of audio, air-conditioning and other vehicle systems.
Main aspects for Honda FCX Concept are:
