When gas prices started to shoot northward 15-20 years ago, a conversation about alternate fuel sources and dependence on foreign oil started up that still hasn’t silenced all these years later. We’ve been through hybrids and plug-in electric cars with relative success, but it’s really starting to look like hydrogen fuel cells are the future, particularly if automakers like Honda can find ways to either further develop a stronger infrastructure of fueling stations or come up with ways to refuel at home.
Whatever the solution is to making this technology truly ubiquitous, it all starts with great hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and Honda has put together a new one called the Honda Clarity, which debuted late last month at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan.
What makes this particular new Honda car so significant in terms of hydrogen fuel cell technology is not only its 400-mile range and its ability to refuel in only three minutes, but its reasonable size. This particular HCF powertrain is approximately the same size as a standard Honda V6 engine, which means it can fit comfortably with the other mechanical bits under the hood of the vehicle and should leave plenty of leg room and storage space for consumers that require plenty of both.
Currently, this vehicle does not look as though it will find its way to American dealerships, but the technology very well could. Because this powertrain isn’t dependent on a concept design, it could easily be moved around as a new engine option for existing models. If that does ultimately end up being the case, our consumers will get yet another green car option from an automaker that clearly values such things. Honda, after all, doesn’t just want to help usher in the future of green driving; they want to lead it, which they’ve already done with vehicles like the 2016 Honda Fit.
Categories:
News