7 January 2008
2008 Honda FCX Clarity
Posted by Mr.Green under: Honda Hybrid Cars .
The Honda FCX Clarity is a unique model expressly designed from the beginning to be a road-ready fuel-cell ride. Honda released its first fuel-cell prototype in 1999 as the FCX-V2, which evolved into the FCX by 2005. Taller, narrower and 150 pounds heavier than the Clarity, the FCX felt as dense as a cannonball, drove like a golf cart and had the curb appeal of a kitchen appliance.
The new Honda FCX Clarity sports a 12,500-rpm brushless electric motor not only provides acceleration but also becomes a power generator during deceleration. As expected, regenerative braking also serves to recharge the battery. The FCX Clarity utilizes 74 percent fewer parts than its boxy predecessor, and its aluminum and carbon resin hydrogen tank stores H2 gas at 5000 psi.
The new model was unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and is built on what Honda is calling a V Flow platform configured to optimize crash safety while coping with the unique structural demands of fuel-cell components.
